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THE 


f . 

DOMESTIC  CIRCLE; 

OR, 

Vv#5L  % Q 

v ; ;d'  *•*■>*  • ^ ...  *■< 

MORAL  AND  SOQtAL  DUTIES 

f v '* 

EXPLAINED  AND  ENFORCED 

ON  SCRIPTURAL  PRINCIPLES, 


IN 

A SERIES  OF  DISCOURSES. 


BY  THE  REY.  M.  SORIN. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PUBLISHED  BY  J.  HARMSTEAD, 
NO.  3S|  NORTH  FOURTH  STREET. 

1840. 


P 

'i?. 


Entered  according  to  the  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1840,  by  M. 
SORIN,  in  the  Clerk’s  Office  of  the%  District  Court  for  the  Eastern 
District  of  Pennsylvania. 


IN  EXCHANGE, 

Drew  Theol.  Bern. 

MN  2*  1308 


T.  IC.  & P.  G.  COLLINS,  PRINTERS, 
No.  1 Lodge  Alley. 


9 U/3 


\n  3 

&o  (o<i 


PREFACE. 


The  subjects  embraced  in  this  little  volume, 
are  decidedly  practical.  They  are  not  questions 
of  speculation  and  amusement,  but  of  duty;  of 
solemn  obligation  to  God  and  man.  It  is,  there- 
fore, highly  probable,  that  they  will  aflord  but 
few  characters  of  interest  to  such  as  devote  their 
reading  chiefly  to  what  is  amusing,  ludicrous, 
or  strange.  Persons  of  this  class  generally  find 
their  only  intellectual  enjoyment  in  the  regions 
of  fiction,  and  appreciate  an  author  only  as  he 
ministers  to  their  morbid  appetite.  The  grati- 
fication of  any  predilection  of  this  nature  would 
have  been  incompatible  with  the  duties  of  the 
ministerial  character,  as  well  as  irrelevant  to 
the  important  object,  at  present,  in  view. 

The  practice  of  inculcating  the  doctrines  of 
the  Cross,  and  the  weightier  matters  of  the  law, 
in  a style  adapted  to  the  vitiated  taste  and  spirit 


M 


03 


IV 


PREFACE. 


of  the  times,  is,  at  best,  a desecration  of  the  truth, 
which  is  thus  enfeebled  and  corrupted  by  the 
medium  through  which  it  is  communicated; 
and  is,  therefore,  deeply  to  be  deplored,  and 
calls  for  a spirited  and  fearless  resistance.  It  is 
a dishonorable  surrender  of  that  high  character 
for  efficiency  claimed  by  the  religion  of  Christ, 
and  which  stands  not  in  the  wisdom  of  men, 
but  in  the  power  of  God.  “He  that  hath  a 
dream,  let  him  tell  a dream,”  but  says  the 
Prophet,  “ he  that  hath  my  word,  let  him  speak 
my  word  faithfully:”  for,  “ What  is  the  chaff  to 
the  wheat,  saith  the  Lord.” 

In  presenting  this  volume  to  the  reader,  it 
may  be  expedient  to  inform  him,  that  it  was  not 
originally  intended  for  public  inspection;  but 
was  composed  chiefly  to  methodise  the  writer’s 
own  views  on  the  several  topics  embraced  in  the 
series.  To  him,  these  all  appear  to  be  vitally 
interesting  questions,  whether  viewed  in  their 
relation  to  the  pure  morality  of  the  Gospel,  or  in 
their  bearings  on  the  order  and  happiness  of 
civil  society. 

Doubtless,  some  will  wish  that  one  more  able 
and  better  qualified,  had  taken  this  subject  in 


PREFACE. 


V 


hand,  and  given  to  the  church  and  world,  a 
plain,  forcible,  and*  manly  illustration  of  the 
nature,  limits,  and  responsibilities  of  the  “ Do- 
mestic Circle;”  one  specially  adapted  to  the 
principles  and  habits  of  society  in  this  country . 
In  the  expressions  of  such  a wish,  the  writer  of 
this  volume  does  most  heartily  concur.  And 
but  for  the  fear  arising  out  of  this  reflection,  that 
by  publishing,  he  would  offend  against  the  gene- 
ration of  his  people,  this  volume  had  been  before 
the  public  at  an  earlier  date.  “I  said,  I am 
young  and  ye  are  very  old,  wherefore  I was 
afraid  and  durst  not  show  you  mine  opinion.  I 
said,  days  should  speak,  and  multitude  of  years 
should  teach  wisdom.”  Indeed,  the  idea  of 
publishing  would  never  have  been  seriously  en- 
tertained by  the  writer,  but  for  the  acknowledged 
necessity  of  something  in  this  form,  and  the 
opinion  of  brethren  and  friends,  in  whose  judg- 
ment he  could  confide,  that  these  Discourses 
were  adapted  to  that  necessity. 

M.  S. 


Philadelphia,  Feb,  10,  1840. 


CONTENTS. 


DISCOURSE  I. 

NATURE  AND  OBLIGATIONS  OF  THE  MARRIAGE  COMPACT. 

Text,  Matt,  xix,  4,  6.  “ Have  ye  not  read,”  &,c.  Preliminary 
remarks.  Marriage  a civil  and  religious  contract.  Scrip- 
tures paramount  authority.  Six  propositions.  Abuse  of 
legislative  power.  Wesley.  Marriage  compact  of  divine 
appointment.  As  such  it  is  according  to  reason.  The  first 
marriage.  A further  office  of  reason.  Marriage  an  institu- 
tion of  religion.  Both  according  to  reason  and  religion.  Pre- 
requisites to  marriage.  Resemblance  in  age.  Congeniality 
of  disposition.  Appearances  not  to  be  relied  on.  No  valid 
substitute  for  sameness  of  spirit.  Resemblance  of  education. 
Persons  differently  educated.  Resemblance  of  opinion.  Re- 
ligious opinion.  Special  reason  for  it.  Resemblance  of  con- 
dition in  life.  A pernicious  error.  True  cause  of  unhappy 
marriages.  Blessedness  of  home.  The  duties  of  married 
persons.  Mutual  affection.  Affection  gives  fortitude.  Spe. 
daily  important  in  domestic  life.  Mutual  confidence;  its 
importance.  Wesley’s  opinion.  Mutual  attention.  Reasons. 
Mutual  respect.  Mutual  assistance.  First  woman.  Neglect 
of  temporal  interests;  effects.  Mutual  indiscretion.  Conse- 
quences. Power  of  female  influence.  Comparison  of  views. 
Advantage  proposed.  Education  and  government  of  chil- 
dren. A common  evil.  Results.  Domestic  relations.  Assis- 
tance in  spiritual  interests.  Domestic  persecution.  Married 
persons  should  pray  for  each  other.  Additional  reflections. 


Vlll 


CONTENTS. 


Marriages  for  gain  ; a vice.  Such  marriages  wretched.  A 
case  for  illustration.  Extract  from  Wesley.  Match-mak- 
ing. Marriage  contracts ; practice  inexcusable.  Meekness 
and  forbearance  recommended.  Sacredness  of  marriage. 
Its  blessedness,  - 13 — 67 


DISCOURSE  II. 

DUTY  OF  PARENTS. 

Text,  Eph.  vi,  4.  “ And  ye  fathers,”  &c.  Responsibilities  of 
parents.  Subject  of  discussion ; difficult.  Importance  of 
knowing  our  duty.  Domestic  oppression.  Children  treated 
with  tenderness  and  confidence.  Violation  of  this  principle ; 
effects.  Incautious  marriages  a provocation.  Consequences. 
Another  method  of  provocation.  Arbitrary  distinctions. 
Absurd  methods  of  education.  The  principle  laid  down  rea- 
sonable. The  worst  form  of  parental  severity.  A special 
consideration  for  parents.  Step-fathers  and  guardians.  The 
injunction.  Children  are  to  be  brought  up  in  the  nurture  of 
the  Lord.  Are  to  be  restrained — in  their  amusements;  in 
their  reading;  in  their  society.  A special  restraint.  Pa- 
rental indiscretion;  its  natural  results.  Tendency  of  disci, 
pline.  Children  to  be  brought  up  in  the  admonition  of  the 
Lord.  Are  to  be  subjects  of  religious  instruction.  To  be 
taught  both  the  theory  and  practice  of  religion.  Necessity 
of  experience.  Parents  are  to  instruct  their  children.  Should 
do  it  cheerfully,  affectionately,  and  consistently.  Enforce  by 
authority  and  example.  Conclusion.  - - 68 — 105 

DISCOURSE  III. 

DUTIES  OF  CHILDREN. 

Text,  Eph.  vi,  1,  2.  “Children  obey  your  parents,”  &c.  Na- 
ture and  extent  of  this  command.  Nature  of  the  command. 
Comprehends  submission.  Disobedient  children  bad  citi- 


CONTENTS. 


IX 


zens.  Various  reasons  for  submission.  Enjoins  affection. 
Filial  affection  inferior  to  parental.  Filial  love  a growing 
principle.  Children  are  to  reverence  their  parents;  are 
to  serve  them.  Parents  transfer  their  rights.  Command 
enjoins  assistance.  Not  less  a privilege  than  a duty.  The 
extent  of  this  command.  Parents  in  place  of  God.  Chil- 
dren to  obey  in  the  fear  of  God ; for  his  glory.  Arguments 
enforcing  this  duty.  Reasons  of  nature.  A common  prin- 
ciple of  our  nature.  Filial  piety  essential  to  a healthy  state 
of  moral  powers.  Another  reason.  One  of  lav/.  Import 
of  this  rule.  Importance  of  maintaining  this  principle. 
Third  reason.  One  of  example.  Case  of  Joseph.  Rechab- 
ites.  Case  of  Ham.  Absalom.  Another  reason  is  one  of 
promise.  Import  of  promise.  Relation  to  children.  Bene- 
fit of  cheerful  obedience.  Obey  in  your  matrimonial  arrange- 
ments. Reasons  for  obedience.  Selection  of  your  society. 
Particular  caution.  Evil  of  late  hours.  Conclusion.  106 — 147 

DISCOURSE  IV. 

FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Text,  Josh,  xxiv,  15.  “As  for  me  and  my  house,”  &c.  Nature 
of  family  worship.  Should  be  instructive  and  humble. 
Penitent.  Family  worship  should  be  grateful.  Regular, 
not  occasional.  Should  be  attended  by  all  the  family. 
Interesting  exhibition  of  character.  Pretext  for  neglecting 
this  duty.  Want  of  time;  or  of  suitable  gifts.  These  no  suffi- 
cient reason.  Another  reason  assigned  for  this  omission. 
Children  and  domestics  not  to  regulate  the  family.  Head  of 
the  family  responsible  to  God.  Additional  reasons.  Extract 
from  Dr.  Dwight.  True  reason  of  this  neglect.  Arguments 
enforcing  the  practice.  Personal  improvement.  Bearing  on 
family  reputation.  Its  power  over  the  principles  and  habits 
of  children.  It  exemplifies  parental  affection.  Collateral 
influence.  Family  worship  specially  obligatory  on  man. 


X 


CONTENTS. 


As  a natural  appointment.  Essential  to  religion.  First 
Paschal  Lamb.  Resolution  of  Joshua  personal.  Pledges 
himself  for  his  family.  An  independent  and  pious  mind. 
Expostulation.  Exhortation.  Conclusion.  - 148 — 177 

DISCOURSE  V. 

MASTERS  AND  SERVANTS. 

Text,  1 Tim.  vi,  1,2.  “ Let  as  many  servants,”  &c.  Introduc- 
tion. Who  comprehended  in  this  command.  Religion  con- 
ducive to  civil  order.  Special  application  of  general  princi- 
ple. Such  as  are  in  involuntary  bondage.  The  Apostle  gives 
no  judgment  on  the  abstract  question.  May  be  inferred 
from  the  character  of  Christianity.  Apprentices.  A relation 
of  choice.  Personal  advantage.  An  inducement  to  fidelity. 
Another  class  of  persons  embraced  in  this  command.  Duty 
of  respect.  Family  regulations  in  particular.  True  glory 
of  the  Christian  character.  Another  branch  of  duty.  Fi- 
delity, in  relation  to  business.  Another  branch  of  fidelity. 
Unguarded  conversation  in  family  circle.  Tale-bearing. 
Case  of  Job’s  wife.  Advantage  of  domestics.  Reprehensi- 
ble practice.  Motives.  Temporal  advantages.  Character. 
Its  value.  Elements  of  character.  Another  motive.  Gain, 
Scriptural.  Special  providence  of  God.  Way  to  distinction. 
Third  argument.  Conscience.  Church  of  Christ.  Ministers. 
Influence  of  pious  domestics.  Their  rights.  Employment 
should  be  reasonable.  Advantage  of  employers.  Its  abuse. 
Employment  of  apprentices.  Intellectual  and  moral  im- 
provement. An  additional  fact.  Right  to  protection.  Just 
recompense.  An  oppressive  system.  St.  James.  Job. 
Religion  changes  not  our  civil  relations.  Conclusion.  178 — 
212. 


CONTENTS. 


XI 


DISCOURSE  VI. 

god’s  method  of  weighing  the  actions  of  men. 

Text,  1 Samuel,  ii,  3.  “The  Lord  is  a God  of  knowledge,” &c 
Introduction.  His  knowledge  defined.  God’s  knowledge 
essential.  Absolute.  Nothing  mysterious  to  God.  God’s 
knowledge  a rule  of  judgment.  What  is  implied  on  weigh- 
ing actions.  With  their  motives.  A classification  of  charac- 
ter. Actions  weighed  with  their  circumstances.  Of  time  and 
place.  Grace  and  mercy.  Illustrations  of  the  principle.  Ac- 
tions weighed  with  their  intentions.  Weighed  together  with 
their  results.  Various  characters:  Child  of  avarice.  Liber- 
tine. Slanderer.  Child  of  plenty.  Minister.  Writers.  Pub- 
lishers. General  inferences  : — 1.  Should  cultivate  our  intel- 
tellectual  and  moral  powers;  various  subjects  of  inquiry; 
Superiority  of  revelation  to  nature.  2.  Judge  cautiously  of 
each  other.  3.  Perfection  of  the  divine  providence ; God’s 
knowledge,  just  reason  of  fear  to  the  wicked  ; final  day ; 
Personal  examination.  - - - - - 213 — 260 


THE 


DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


DISCOURSE  I. 

NATURE  AND  OBLIGATIONS  OF  THE  MARRIAGE 
COMPACT. 

Matt,  xix,  4.  6.  “ Have  ye  not  read,  that  he  which  made 
them  at  the  beginning,  made  them  male  and  female  ; And  said, 
for  this  cause  shall  a man  leave  Father  and  Mother,  and  shall 
cleave  to  his  wife  ; and  they  twain  shall  be  one  flesh  ? where- 
fore they  are  no  more  twain,  but  one  flesh.  What,  therefore, 
God  hath  joined  together,  let  no  man  put  asunder.” 

The  text  presents  as  the  objects  of  our  present 
inquiry,  the  nature  and  duties  of  the  marriage 
compact.  A subject  in  which  all  are  profoundly 
interested;  and  than  which  few  can  present 
stronger  claims  on  our  attention,  and  yet  it  is 
one  that  but  few  persons  consider  attentively, 
and  with  that  deliberation  and  thoughtfulness 
which  is  proportioned  to  its  immense  importance. 
This  is  a fact  the  more  to  be  regretted,  because 
of  the  consequences  that  it  involves,  and  also 
2 


14 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Preliminary  remarks. 

because  it  is  a principle  manifestly  established 
beyond  all  controversy,  that  every  institution  of 
God,  designed  to  regulate  the  moral  principles, 
habits,  and  associations  of  men,  is  properly  a 
subject  of  human  investigation,  and  that  all  such 
appointments  rise  and  strengthen  in  their  claims 
on  our  attention  in  precisely  the  same  ratio  that 
they  involve  the  interests  of  man,  either  indi- 
vidually or  in  the  aggregate. 

We  are  aware,  that  in  the  investigation  of 
these  very  delicate  but  vitally  interesting  ques- 
tions, we  are  not  at  liberty  to  enter  into  as  free 
and  full  an  elucidation  of  rights,  obligations,  and 
immunities,  as  in  the  discussion  of  some  other 
institutions  of  religion,  or  questions  of  evangeli- 
cal morality.  We  hope,  however,  so  to  guard 
our  exposition  of  this  subject,  that  while  we 
place  it  in  a clear,  strong,  and  Scriptural  light, 
we  shall  not  offer  violence  to  the  feelings  of  any, 
not  excepting  even  the  most  fastidious,  and  shall 
turn  the  attention  to  certain  aspects  and  bearings 
of  the  institution  not  sufficiently  embraced  and 
deliberated  upon  in  the  calculations  of  all,  who 
assume  the  truly  solemn  and  adventurous  re- 
sponsibilities of  the  marriage  union. 

I.  The  first  point  to  which  we  solicit  your  at- 
tention, is  the  Nature  of  the  Institution . 

Marriage  is  defined  to  be  a civil  and  religious 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


15 


Marriage  a civil  and  religious  contract. 

contract.  (See  Watson’s  Institute,  vol.  iii,  p. 
286 — 289.)  We  adopt  this  definition  of  the  sub- 
ject, in  preference  to  any  that  we  have  seen,  as 
the  one  most  conformable  to  Scripture  and  rea- 
son; and  further,  because  it  does  not  degrade  the 
institution  into  a mere  civil  contract — a cold 
business  transaction;  nor  does  it  involve  the  ab- 
surdity of  classing  among  the  sacraments  of  the 
Christian  church,  an  appointment  of  God  having 
its  origin  in  the  primeval  condition  of  man,  and 
by  no  means  a distinctive  character  of  the  Chris- 
tian religion,  but  manifestly  designed  for,  and 
accessible  to  all  men,  whether  pious  or  profane. 

Directing  our  course,  therefore,  between  these 
two  extremes,  the  first  of  which,  in  our  opinion, 
tends  to  infidelity,  and,  by  destroying  the  sacred- 
ness of  the  institution,  lessens  the  force  of  its 
obligations;  while  the  other  as  naturally  inclines 
to  fanaticism,  and,  like  all  other  principles  of  its 
class,  is  seldom  found  alone,  but  generally  in 
union  with  some  greater  eccentricities  of  thought, 
if  not  enormities  of  action.  The  lively  oracles 
of  God  are  the  only  infallible  authority,  and  un- 
erring guide,  in  all  questions  of  this  complexion. 
To  these  let  us  bow  with  the  deepest  reverence; 
“thus  saith  the  Lord,”  is,  or  ought  to  be,  an  end  of 
all  controversy.  Here  the  case  is  made  perfectly 
plain,  that  whatever  there  may  be  of  the  nature 


16 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Scriptures  paramount  authority.  Six  propositions. 

of  a civil  contract  in  the  marriage  union,  and 
whatever  human  legislators  or  civil  magistrates 
may  have  to  do  in  regulating  its  forms  and  cir- 
cumstances, the  institution  itself  originated  with 
God,  and  He  alone  can  dissolve  its  obligations. 

These  points  are  most  clearly  set  forth  in  the 
text.  “Have  ye  not  read,  that  He  which  made 
them  at  the  beginning  made  them  male  and 
female,  and  said,  for  this  cause  shall  a man  leave 
father  and  mother,  and  shall  cleave  to  his  wife, 
and  they  twain  shall  be  one  flesh?  wherefore 
they  are  no  more  twain  but  one  flesh.  What, 
therefore,  God  hath  joined  together  let  no  man 
put  asunder.”  The  text,  as  you  perceive,  sug- 
gests the  following  propositions:  1.  The  parties 
are  originally  the  same  in  the  author  and  ex- 
cellency of  their  nature.  2.  They  were  designed 
for  this  union,  as  one  conducive  to  the  glory  of 
God,  and  the  increase  of  their  mutual  happiness. 

3.  That  to  the  formation  of  this  union,  every 
other  earthly  relation  should  be  held  subordinate. 

4.  That  being  once  united,  they  are  no  more 
twain,  but  one  flesh.  5.  That  no  power  under 
heaven  can  dissolve  the  obligations  of  this  con- 
tract, but  on  one  account,  distinctly  specified  in 
the  Word  of  God;  and  6.  That  any  dissolution 
of  the  marriage  compact,  whether  by  the  church 
or  the  state,  save  for  that  one  cause  to  which  we 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


17 


Reasons.  Abuse  of  legislative  power.  Wesley. 

have  already  referred,  is  a sin  highly  offensive 
to  God,  and  pernicious  in  its  influence  on  society. 
To  enlarge  on  these  particulars  severally  is  not 
our  design ; we  merely  state  them  for  the  pur- 
pose of  fixing  attention,  and  throwing  your  minds 
on  such  a course  of  thought,  as  we  deem  appro- 
priate to  the  subject;  and  not  that  we  have  the 
vanity  even  to  hope,  that  we  can  arrest  that 
licentious  exercise  of  legislative  power,  which 
pollutes  the  annals  of  our  country  with  the  record 
of  divorcements  pettishly  asked  for  and  incon- 
siderately given;  or  for  comparatively  trivial 
considerations;  as  if  men,  who  are  empowered 
to  make  civil  regulations  for  themselves,  could 
also  abrogate  the  moral  institutions  of  their 
Maker.  “What  God  hath  joined  together  let 
no  man  put  asunder;”  these  views  are  fully 
sustained  by  our  Divine  Redeemer,  Matt,  v,  32. 
“ But  I say  unto  you,  that  whosoever  shall  put 
away  his  wife,  saving  for  the  cause  of  fornica- 
tion, causeth  her  to  commit  adultery;  and  who- 
soever shall  marry  her  that  is  divorced  commit- 
teth  adultery.”  On  this  passage  of  Scripture, 
Mr.  Wesley  holds  the  following  pointed  lan- 
guage: “All  polygamy  is  clearly  forbidden  in 
these  words,  wherein  our  Lord  expressly  de- 
clares, that  for  any  woman  who  has  a husband 
2* 


18 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  marriage  compact  of  divine  appointment. 

alive,  to  marry  again  is  adultery.  By  parity  of 
reason  it  is  adultery  for  any  man  to  marry  again 
so  long  as  he  has  a wife  alive.  Yea  although 
they  were  divorced,  unless  that  divorce  had  been 
for  the  cause  of  adultery.  In  that  only  case  there 
is  no  Scripture  which  forbids  the  innocent  person 
to  marry  again.” — Sd  Discourse  on  the  Sermon 
on  the  Mount . — See  also  Rom.  vii,  2,  3. 

As  there  is  no  institution  existing  among  men 
more  obviously  of  Divine  appointment  than  the 
institution  of  marriage,  so  nothing  is  more  clearly 
intimated  in  the  circumstances  of  its  origin,  and 
the  various  expressions  of  the  will  of  God  we 
have  received  concerning  its  nature,  than  that  it 
was  to  be  limited  to  two  persons;  and  that  it 
was  to  be  most  inviolably  kept  in  its  obligations 
by  both  the  parties. 

The  marriage  compact,  as  a Divine  appoint- 
ment, is  one  according  to  reason — one  proper  to 
man,  viewed  in  the  light  of  a thinking  or  sen- 
tient being,  and  is  designed  to  advance  great  and 
important  ends,  worthy  of  the  author  of  his  exist- 
ence and  his  own  immortal  destiny,  as  a creature 
of  thought  and  moral  responsibility.  But  still  it  is 
strictly  true,  that  there  is  much  of  feeling  and  hu- 
man sympathy  in  the  association.  And  it  is  neces- 
sary that  there  should  be,  for  these  are  the  very 
sweeteners  of  life,  and  cement  of  society;  but  is 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


19 


As  such,  it  is  according  to  reason. 

it  therefore  less  an  institution  of  reason,  because 
it  calls  into  exercise  the  tenderer  sympathies  of 
the  heart,  to  maintain  the  authority  of  the  under- 
standing, and  engages  both  our  intellectual  and 
animal  nature,  to  harmonise  in  sustaining  its 
various  cares  and  complicated  responsibilities  ? 
Most  certainly  not:  for,  by  the  manifest  appoint- 
ment of  heaven,  reason  is  the  only  safe  and  suf- 
ficient guard  of  feeling.  It  is  not  more  evidently 
the  province  of  mind  to  preside  over  matter,  than 
it  is  of  reason  to  hold  the  reins  and  direct  the 
course  of  passion,  and  to  regulate  the  degrees  of 
their  fervor,  and  the  frequency  of  their  pulsa- 
tions; and  thus  to  maintain  a healthy  equilibrium 
between  the  frigidity  of  a mere  philosophical 
speculation,  and  the  extravagant  dreams  of 
visionary  and  romantic  lovers.  Reason  is  de- 
signed to  guard  against  an  unhealthy  stagnation 
of  feeling,  in  which  the  sympathies  become 
morally  putrid,  and  send  their  poisonous  exhala- 
tions in  deadening  stupor  through  the  soul;  and, 
on  the  other  hand,  to  prevent  a childish  and 
doting  fondness,  which  not  unfrequently  implies 
a want  of  correct  and  well  digested  principle, 
and  is  always  indicative  of  great  imbecility  of 
mind.  It  is  her  province  to  maintain  a free, 
gentle  and  strengthening  circulation  of  the  ten- 
derest  feelings,  the  purest  sympathies  and  noblest 


20 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  first  marriage. 

principles  of  the  human  heart;  and  thus  to  ex- 
emplify, with  all  the  emphasis  of  a practical 
demonstration,  that  the  parties  are  no  more  twain 
but  one  flesh. 

In  the  formation  of  the  first  matrimonial  com- 
pact, there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  all  the  par- 
ties concerned — God  who  solemnised  the  nup- 
tials, and  our  first  parents  who  then  became  one 
flesh,  on  their  wedding  day — were  all  actuated 
by  principles  of  the  highest  and  purest  reason. 
The  parties  were  provided  for  each  other  with 
infinite  skill,  and  were  given  to  each  other  in 
purest  benevolence— for  they  were  perfect.  No 
storm  of  unholy  passion  agitated  or  tossed  the 
bosom — no  sense  of  guilt  or  shame  confused  the 
understanding — no  forms  of  evil  tempers  lay 
smothered  in  the  soul  to  rise  and  mar  their  future 
peace,  or  break  their  tender  union.  Then  human 
nature  breathed  in  all  the  freshness  of  youth  and 
smiled  in  all  the  loveliness  of  innocency,  free 
from  all  guile  and  deceit  within,  it  apprehended 
none  from  abroad.  Universal  nature  rejoiced 
in  their  new  made  and  far  spreading  enjoyments, 
and  reflected,  as  from  a thousand  mirrors,  the 
benevolence  of  their  Creator  in  all  that  his  power 
had  made.  Thus  our  first  parents  were  cemented 
together  in  the  most  tender  and  sacred  union, 
for  ends  nearly  allied  to  those  of  the  original 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


21 


A farther  office  of  reason. 

creation,  under  the  sanction  and  safeguard  of 
reason,  the  solemnities  of  religion,  and  the  over- 
shadowing benediction  of  heaven. 

In  still  further  illustration  of  this  view  of  our 
subject,  we  may  remark  that  reason  not  only 
approves  the  marriage  union,  as  right  and  proper 
to  man,  but  is  also  a necessary  element  in  its 
construction.  Reason  must  judge  of  the  suit- 
ableness of  the  parties — its  solemn  and  lasting 
responsibilities — the  duties  as  well  as  the  diffi- 
culties of  the  married  life — the  manner  of  per- 
forming the  one  and  of  enduring  the  other — how 
a family  are  to  be  provided  for — children  are  to 
be  governed,  and  many  other  questions  of  similar 
import  are  to  be  discussed  by  reason,  as  directed 
by  the  precepts  of  Revelation ; and  until  an  in- 
telligent and  satisfactory  answer  can  be  given 
to  these  interrogatories,  whatever  may  be  the 
fervor  of  affection  or  the  strength  of  attachment, 
reason  disapproves  the  union  as  a rash  and 
hazardous  experiment.  But  we  are, 

2dly.  To  regard  this  also  as  an  institution  of 
religion.  If  it  is  not  recognised  as  such  in  all 
systems  of  moral  philosophy,  it  is  because  some 
are  false  and  others  are  defective.  For  we  are 
certain  that  in  the  only  true  system  of  theology, 
and  perfect  code  of  moral  rules — the  Scriptures 
of  truth — marriage  is  distinctly  appointed  as  a 


22 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Marriage  an  institution  of  religion. 

part  of  that  economy  under  which  man  is  placed 
as  a religious  being — and  it  is  a subject  on 
which  our  Allwise  Creator  has  had  special  legis- 
lative action,  as  the  moral  governor  of  the  world, 
and  respecting  which  he  has  given  sundry  highly 
important  precepts  to  man; — precepts  so  blended 
and  identified  with  the  religion  of  Christ,  as  to 
be  thereby  constituted  a prominent  part  of  the 
system.  And,  therefore,  although  it  is  not  re- 
quired of  all  persons  to  enter  into  this  relation, 
all  who  do  enter  into  it  are  bound,  under  pain  of 
divine  displeasure,  to  keep  their  plighted  vows 
of  fidelity  and  affection,  with  a tenacity  uncom- 
promising as  the  love  of  life,  and  sincere  and  sa- 
cred as  the  incense  of  devotion. 

Before  we  conclude  or  dismiss  this  view  of  our 
subject,  it  may  be  interesting  to  advert  to  the 
fact,  that  marriage  was  not  introduced  after  man 
became  a sinner,  and  fell  under  the  withering 
curse  of  his  Maker,  for  the  purpose  of  ameliora- 
ting his  condition,  as  an  unhappy  fugitive  on  the 
earth.  No,  but  it  is  one  of  those  special  bless- 
ings of  our  primeval  state,  which  has  survived 
the  wreck  of  Eden,  and  our  terrestrial  Paradise. 
It  was  appointed  to  man  while  he  stood  out  be- 
fore the  world,  glowing  in  all  the  moral  gran- 
deur of  his  Maker’s  image,  as  prince  and  priest 
of  this  earthly  realm.  It  was  given  for  the  pur- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


23 


Both  according-  to  reason  and  religion. 

pose  of  finishing  his  character; — fixing  his  affec- 
tions, and  perfecting  his  earthly  felicity.  And  is 
it  not  then  perfectly  clear,  that  both  reason  and 
religion  approve  the  institution,  as  one  in  every 
way  congenial  with  the  highest  state  of  moral 
purity,  of  which  our  nature  is  capable,  and  as 
highly  conducive  to  its  preservation  and  im- 
provement; and  hence  it  is  not  without  reason, 
that  they  are  said  to  give  heed  to  seducing  spi- 
rits and  doctrines  of  devils  who  forbid  it  to  any, 
seeing  God  appointed  it  for  all — (See  1 Tim.  iv, 
1 — 3.) — with  the  exception  of  certain  specified 
cases — (See  Matt,  xix,  11,  12) — not  important 
to  be  named. 

As  an  institution,  both  according  to  reason  and 
religion,  as  subservient  to  the  interests  of  moral 
virtue  and  civil  order,  the  marriage  compact  is 
taken  under  the  cognizance  and  protection  of  the 
civil  government;  and  this  for  the  best  of  reasons, 
as  every  one  may  see  who  will  consult  writers 
on  the  subject  of  moral  and  political  philosophy. 
But  it  is  not  our  design  to  pursue  the  subject  in 
that  direction,  but  to  confine  ourselves  as  much 
as  possible  to  its  practical  bearings.  For  it  is  not 
so  much  the  theory  of  the  institution,  as  its  con- 
nection with  the  ordinary  occurrences  of  life,  in 
the  understanding  of  which  men  generally  are 


24 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Pre-requisites  in  marriage. 

interested;  and  that  we  wish  to  offer  as  the 
principal  subject  of  our  present  consideration. 

Another  important  view  of  this  subject,  em- 
braces those  estimates  of  fitness  and  expediency 
that  ought  never  to  be  overlooked  in  the  forma- 
tion of  matrimonial  connections;  and  which  are 
necessary  to  give  sanctity  and  strength  to  its 
associations.  In  illustration  of  this  point,  we 
may  remark,  that  as  in  architecture,  the  stability 
of  an  edifice  depends  very  much  upon  the  nature 
of  the  materials,  as  well  as  on  the  manner  in 
which  they  are  put  together;  both  in  laying  the 
foundation,  and  carrying  up  the  superstructure. 
So  also  in  the  marriage  union,  a vast  deal  de- 
pends on  the  suitableness  of  the  parties,  their 
adaptation  to  each  other.  A marriage  compact, 
formed  by  persons  having  no  proper  congeni- 
ality or  resemblance  in  age,  disposition,  educa- 
tion, or  religion,  is,  at  best,  an  unsightly  associ- 
ation, and  is  not  very  unlike  a certain  image 
partly  of  clay  and  partly  of  iron,  a combination 
held  by  force  of  law,  or  pecuniary  interest,  but 
naturally  inclining  to  separation,  with  all  the 
force  of  constitutional  impulse.  To  render  this 
union  permanent  and  prosperous,  there  ought 
to  be 

X.  A resemblance  of  age.  This  is  most  dis- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


25 


Resemblance  in  age. 

tinctly  intimated  in  the  origin  of  the  institution. 
It  is  true  that  God  first  made  man,  thereby  giv- 
ing him  the  pre-eminence  in  age  as  well  as  in 
place,  but  still  the  difference  in  this  particular  be- 
tween our  first  parents  was  so  very  slight  as 
scarcely  to  destroy  its  identity.  From  the  origin 
of  the  institution,  therefore,  as  well  as  its  nature 
it  is  perfectly  manifest  that  the  parties  should 
have  a resemblance  in  age . They  are  not  to 
come,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  from  the  oppo- 
site extremes  of  life,  chilled  with  the  frost  of  age, 
and  decrepid  with  years  on  the  one  hand,  and 
glowing  with  fire  and  buoyant  with  the  anima- 
tion of  youth  on  the  other. 

How  to  account  for  the  formation  of  the  class 
of  marriages  here  referred  to,  is  exceedingly  dif- 
ficult, on  any  principles  honorable  to  human 
nature.  For  most  certainly  unperverted  by  a 
false  education,  vicious  counsellors,  or  wicked 
passions,  the  human  mind  has  no  such  partiali- 
ties. And  the  thing  itself  is  in  such  manifest  op- 
position to  all  analogy,  to  all  the  suggestions  of 
reason,  and  tender  breathings  of  passion,  that  the 
existence  of  the  elements  of  some  sordid  meam 
ness  or  secret  villany,  must  be  suspected  in  these 
arrangements.  And  even  where  this  is  not  the 
case,  the  inexpediency  of  the  thing  is  matter  of 
common  consent;  and  its  impropriety  subject  of 
3 


26 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Congeniality  of  disposition. 

general  censure.  Whatever,  therefore,  may  be 
the  active  principle  in  the  promotion  of  such 
alliances,  there  is  no  power  in  nature  that  can 
give  them  the  attribute  of  a pure  and  lasting  fel- 
lowship. 

“ As  well  might  heavenly  concerts  spring 
From  two  old  lutes  with  ne’er  a string, 

Or  none  beside  the  bass.” 

The  entrance  of  the  race  and  the  goal,  are  not 
more  naturally  irreconcilable  extremes,  than  com- 
parative youth  and  old  age;  nor  do  the  cradle 
and  the  coffin  form  a more  unnatural  and  repul- 
sive association,  than  hoary  age  and  blooming 
youth,  in  matrimonial  union.  We  instinctively 
turn  from  the  sight,  as  violent  and  unnatural, 
unprovided  for  in  the  economy  of  nature,  and 
humiliating  and  afflictive  to  all  that  is  generous 
or  noble  in  the  sympathies  of  our  species.  Hence 
there  should  be  a resemblance  in  age. 

2.  There  should  also  be  a congeniality  in 
disposition , for  whatever  natural  predilections 
there  may  be  in  the  human  mind  for  symmetry 
of  form  and  gracefulness  of  person,  the  founda- 
tions of  conjugal  felicity  are  not  laid  in  these 
alone,  for  it  is  a fact  that  has  not  escaped  the 
attention  of  the  observing,  that  some  of  the  most 
delicately  formed,  and  beautifully  decorated  por- 
tions of  the  irrational  creation,  have  the  most 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


27 


Appearances  not  to  be  relied  on. 

venomous,  untractable,  and  malignant  nature; 
hearts  that  cannot  feel,  and  spirits  formed  for 
cruelty;  and,  most  unfortunately  for  our  race, 
there  is  not  wanting  a suitable  analogy  to  these 
in  the  human  species.  We  speak  not  of  either 
sex  exclusively,  but  of  the  general  analogy  as  a 
fact  not  to  be  disputed,  and  most  certainly  de- 
signed by  our  Great  Creator  for  our  admonition; 
that  persons  should  not  follow  implicitly  the  sight 
of  their  eyes  on  this  momentous  subject,  but  sub- 
jecting the  testimony  of  the  senses  to  the  scrutiny 
of  reason,  act  worthy  of  their  rational  existence. 

As  we  are  not  to  rely  on  the  adornments  of 
nature,  so  neither  are  we  to  trust  to  those  of  art, 
the  decorations  of  dress,  and  artful  platting  of 
the  hair  ; the  exhibition  of  jewelry  and  precious 
stones  afford  but  a flimsy  basis  for  domestic  hap- 
piness. These  may  answer  the  purpose  of  dis- 
play; may  gratify  the  ambition  of  family  pride; 
may  serve  to  sparkle  and  blaze  in  the  circles  of 
fashion  and  show,  but  very  frequently  they  are 
not  unlike  those  gilded  clouds,  that  skirt  and 
fringe  the  thunder  storm,  and  indicate  by  their 
ingenious  and  gaudy  foldings,  the  fierceness  of 
the  tempest  that  they  adorn. 

To  afford  efficient  aid  in  enduring  the  various 
ills,  and  in  performing  the  duties  of  domestic  life, 
there  must  be,  reciprocally,  meekness  and  gen- 


28 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


No  valued  substitute  for  sameness  of  spirit. 

tleness  of  spirit,  amiability  of  disposition,  conge- 
niality of  soul ; for  which  neither  sparkling  wit, 
finished  beauty,  wealth,  nor  family  distinction 
can  be  a solid  substitute.  There  must  be  the 
basis  of  an  original  resemblance  between  the 
parties,  in  their  habits  of  thought  and  feeling,  as 
well  as  of  temperament,  or  there  never  can  be 
that  indefinably  tender  and  permanent  union, 
implied  in  the  declaration  that  they  are  one  flesh. 
But  if  these  elements  of  character  are  found  in 
suitable  proportions  in  both  the  parties,  then  like 
bodies  under  the  same  principle  of  attraction, 
they  will  naturally  move  towards  one  common 
centre;  whereas  if  in  the  natural  construction  of 
their  minds,  this  property  is  wanting,  they  will 
as  naturally  incline  to  opposite  directions,  im- 
pelled by  the  distinctive  principles  of  their  na- 
ture, their  happiness  will  be  in  separation,  and 
not  in  union.  When  they  meet,  it  will  not  be 
the  meeting  of  congenial  and  harmonious  spi- 
rits, but  rather  like  a compound  of  substances, 
naturally  at  variance,  that  only  meet  for  mutual 
decomposition  or  combustion.  Hence  there 
should  be  congeniality  of  disposition, 

“ Not  minds  of  melancholy  strain, 

Still  silent,  or  that  still  complain, 

Can  the  dear  bondage  bless; 

Nor  can  the  soft  enchantment  hold 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


29 


Resemblance  of  education. 

Two  jarring  souls  of  angry  mould, 

The  rugged  and  the  keen  : 

Sampson’s  young  foxes  might  as  well 
In  bonds  of  cheerful  vredlock  dwell, 

With  fire  brands  tied  between  ; 

Nor  let  the  cruel  fetters  bind 
A gentle  to  a savage  mind  ; 

For  love  abhors  the  sight. 

Loose  the  fierce  tiger  from  the  deer, 

For  native  rage  and  native  fear, 

Rise  and  forbid  delight.”  Watts. 

3.  Resemblance  of  education.  We  speak  not 
of  education  merely  as  it  is  purchased  in  the 
schools,  or  as  it  is  more  tenderly  and  freely  im- 
parted by  parental  affection,  at  the  family  hearth. 
Nor  do  we  confine  our  views  exclusively  to  the 
development  of  mind,  and  forms  of  mental  disci- 
pline. The  importance  of  the  subject,  however, 
viewed  even  in  this  restricted  sense,  must  be  evi- 
dent to  all ; whatever  may  be  the  method  by 
which  it  is  obtained,  or  the  period  through  which 
it  is  extended  ; because,  that  while  the  process 
of  mental  enlargement  and  refinement  is  going 
forward,  the  character  is  gradually  forming  to  a 
more  excellent  model,  and  to  a more  elevated 
and  powerful  bearing.  But  by  education,  at 
present,  we  mean  that  training  by  which  per- 
sons have  been  designed  and  prepared  for  the 
active  scenes  and  rugged  realities  of  the  present 
3* 


30 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE 


Persons  differently  educated. 

life.  It  may,  indeed,  comprehend  the  develop- 
ment of  the  mind,  the  illumination  of  the  moral 
sense,  the  subjugation  of  the  passions  to  reason, 
the  formation  of  the  manners,  together  with  a 
knowledge  of  those  domestic  duties,  and  espe- 
cially rules  of  business  appropriate  to  man  in  all 
the  various  conditions  of  life.  The  importance 
of  this  consideration  will  readily  appear,  if  we 
call  to  mind,  that  in  some  classes  of  society,  per- 
sons are  as  rigidly  educated  to  indolence,  as  in 
others  they  are  to  industry;  that  some  are  from 
infancy  trained  up  to  prodigality  and  display, 
while  others  are  more  wisely  taught  habits  of 
frugality  and  good  management.  That  a union 
of  persons  thus  differently  educated  should  be 
attended  with  embarrassment  and  confusion,  in 
passing  through  life,  is  not  more  surprising  than 
that  night  should  succeed  to  day,  or  that  any 
effect  should  follow  its  legitimate  cause. 

We  do  not  say  that  in  all  these  respects,  both 
the  parties  must  be  equally  educated,  for  even 
where  this  is  not  the  case,  there  may  be  a gene- 
ral resemblance  in  their  habits  of  mind,  their 
literary  taste,  their  partialities  and  repugnances; 
and  there  may  be  that  peculiar  adaptation  in  the 
one  to  neutralize  or  regulate  what  is  exception- 
able or  inconvenient  in  the  other.  And  there 
may  be  those  little  developments  of  temper, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


31 


Resemblance  of  opinion. 

sympathy,  and  social  habits,  which  show  most 
clearly,  that  though  they  have  not  been  cast  in 
precisely  the  same  mould,  they  are  of  the  same 
material,  and  have  a natural  convergency  to  the 
same  ultimate  formation  of  character. 

And  in  this  event,  there  is,  perhaps,  as  fair  and 
rational  a prospect  of  permanent,  and  even  in- 
creasing felicity  in  the  domestic  circle,  or  more 
so  than  where  the  actual  amount  of  cultivation 
has  been  equal  in  minds  differently  constituted. 
For  it  is  not  so  much  what  is  forced  upon  the 
mind  by  art,  as  what  abounds  in  it  by  nature, 
that  gives  the  broad  and  ample  basis  for  a true 
and  lasting  union. 

4.  Resemblance  of  principle . With  some 
qualification,  it  may  be  said  that  sameness  of 
sentiment  gives  sameness  of  soul;  and  vice  versa , 
and  hence  unanimity  of  feeling  cannot  be  reason- 
ably expected  in  the  family  circle,  where  there  is 
a prevailing  dissimilarity  of  opinion — where  the 
practical  doctrines  of  the  wife  and  husband  are 
at  variance.  This  is  true  in  every  thing  pertain- 
ing to  the  domestic  government.  But  we  speak 
now  more  specially  with  reference  to  religious 
principles,  and  insist  that  there  ought  to  be  as 
perfect  a harmony  of  sentiment  on  this  subject 
as  it  is  possible  to  secure.  This  is  not  only  ne- 
cessary to  comfort,  but  also  to  safety,  to  the 


32 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Religious  opinion.  Special  reasons. 

maintenance  of  a conscience  void  of  offence  to- 
wards God  and  man.  If  persons  are  to  consult 
their  political  opinions,  their  intellectual  habits, 
their  pecuniary  interests,  in  the  formation  of  the 
marriage  union,  is  it  to  be  supposed  that  they 
can  with  impunity,  be  inattentive  to  those  princi- 
ples which  give  moral  character  to  man,  that 
form  the  basis  of  his  well  being  here,  and  of  his 
destiny  hereafter?  The  prominence  which  was 
given  to  the  rule  of  conduct  here  laid  down  in 
the  Old  Testament,  is  well  understood  ; and  it  is 
unquestionably  certain,  that  it  is  still  a part  of 
the  moral  code  of  the  New.  (See  2 Cor.  vi,  14 — 
16.)  “ Be  not  unequally  yoked  together  with 

unbelievers;  for  what  fellowship  hath  righteous- 
ness with  unrighteousness?  And  what  commu- 
nion hath  light  with  darkness?  And  what 
concord  hath  Christ  with  Belial  ? Or  what  part 
hath  he  that  believeth  with  an  infidel  V9 

Therefore  secure  a partner  whose  views  of 
Christian  doctrine  and  of  the  institutions  of  reli- 
gion, accord  with  your  own.  So  that  whatever 
angry  strife  may  agitate  the  church  in  her  gene- 
ral capacity,  you  may  have  peace  within  your 
own  borders.  Bear  in  mind  that  it  is  a most  un- 
lovely sight,  at  best,  to  see  either  of  the  wedded 
pair  endeavoring  to  tease,  persuade,  or  provoke 
the  other  into  a reception  of  their  own  particular 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


33 


Resemblance  of  condition  in  life. 

creed.  Yet  scenes  of  this  nature  do  occur,  and 
in  some  instances,  assume  all  the  odiousness  of 
bitter  persecution;  but  what  else  can  be  expected 
where  persons  marry  in  violation  of  the  Scrip- 
ture above  quoted  ? Here  it  may  be  in  place  to 
notice  a practice  which  is  sometimes  adopted,  as 
calculated  to  neutralize  some  of  the  evil  conse- 
quences of  such  a union.  The  practice  is  this: 
the  parents  agree  that,  peradventure,  the  son 
shall  be  brought  up  in  the  faith  of  the  father, 
and  the  daughter  in  that  of  the  mother.  Now 
whatever  there  may  be  of  apparent  charity  and 
forbearance  between  the  parents  in  this  arrange- 
ment, there  is  an  acknowledged  sacrifice  of  the 
interest  of  the  children ; for  the  parents  mutually 
agree  that  a part  of  them,  at  least,  shall  be 
brought  up  in  error — in  error  according  to  their 
own  view  of  the  question,  if  not  in  damnable 
heresy.  This  certainly  is  inexcusable ; it  is  more, 
it  is  highly  reprehensible,  it  is  a violation  of  our 
obligations  to  God  and  our  children,  and  it  is  an 
evil  that  can  only  be  effectually  prevented  by 
resemblance  of  opinion  on  the  part  of  the  pa- 
rents. 

5.  « d resemblance  of  condition  in  life . That 
both  the  parties  should  be  either  in  circumstan- 
ces of  indigence  or  affluence,  be  possessed  of  an 
equal  amount  of  property,  we  do  not  design  to 


34 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


A pernicious  error. 

intimate,  because  there  may  be  resemblance 
when  there  is  not  equality.  And  considerations 
of  family  may  be  a fair  offset  against  those  of 
property,  and  considerations  of  moral  and  intel- 
lectual worth,  must,  while  the  world  stands,  form 
an  equivalent  to  any  pretensions  arising  out  of 
family  distinction  or  extent  of  property.  This  is, 
at  least,  indisputable  in  our  own  country,  where 
mind  is  money , and  moral  worth  a letter  of 
commendation  endorsed  by  the  community. 

But  still  they  act  wisely,  who  in  selecting  a 
partner  for  life,  make  that  selection  from  among 
their  equals,  in  the  common  sense  acceptation  of 
the  word.  There  is,  perhaps,  not  a more  com- 
mon, nor  is  there  a more  pernicious  error  in  the 
world,  on  this  subject,  than  for  a young  man  to 
suppose  (for  with  them  the  error  is  more  gene- 
rally found)  that  he  can  rise  to  an  honorable  and 
influential  position  in  society,  by  tacking  himself 
on,  as  it  were,  to  the  skirts  of  some  wealthy, 
powerful,  and  leading  family.  For  even  in  the 
event  of  success,  if  he  have  not  the  energy  of 
character  requisite  to  rise  above  the  humbleness 
of  his  origin,  (admitting  it  to  be  humble,)  the 
talents  and  genius  sufficient  to  arrest  attention, 
and  command  the  homage  even  of  the  envious, 
he  is  doomed  to  be  a mere  “ hewer  of  wood  and 
drawer  of  water,”  the  residue  of  his  days;  atten- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


35 


The  true  cause  of  unhappy  marriages. 

tion  to  him  will  be  regarded  as  the  veriest  con- 
descension, and  any  assistance  will  be  a nig- 
gardly mercy  reluctantly  bestowed. 

If  therefore,  a man  have,  in  himself,  the  re- 
sources and  energies  requisite  to  rise  into  notice, 
let  him  exert  them  in  his  own  name  ; he  is  not 
dependent  on  any  such  submission  as  above 
referred  to,  for  family,  fame,  or  fortune.  In  him- 
self, he  has  the  means  of  building  a house  of  his 
own,  with  deep  and  broad  foundations — mate- 
rials fair,  as  light  and  lasting  as  virtue.  There- 
fore let  him  not  place  himself  in  the  relation  of  a 
menial  servant,  where  he  ought  to  be  a son,  nor 
serve  as  a bondman  for  a wife,  who  ought  to  be 
given  to  him  as  an  equal.  I say  again,  let  him 
throw  himself  upon  his  own  resources ; and  if 
he  even  find  it  more  difficult  to  rise,  he  can  ulti- 
mately rise  to  a more  honorable  elevation.  His 
character  will  be  the  more  valuable,  for  being  a 
formation  of  his  own;  and  it  will  have  in  the 
world  the  interest  of  novelty,  and  the  force  of  an 
original  and  unexpected  power. 

Such,  it  appears  to  us,  are  the  proper  elements 
of  a rational  and  Scriptural  marriage;  and  per- 
haps it  never,  or  very  seldom  occurs,  that  per- 
sons are  united  in  matrimony  with  a due  re- 
gard to  these  principles,  who  have  any  cause 
to  regret  the  formation  of  this  union.  Let  any 


36 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Blessedness  of  home. 

one  run  his  mind  along  the  list  of  unhappy  mar- 
riages, in  the  circle  of  his  own  observation,  and 
where  can  one  be  found  that  is  not  referable  to 
one  or  the  other  of  those  causes  already  named. 
The  parties  were  unequally  yoked  together,  in 
age , disposition , education^ eligious  opinion, or 
condition  in  life , and  hence  have  met  with  disap- 
pointment and  disgust;  developments  of  princi- 
ple and  disclosures  of  character,  or  outbreakings 
of  passion  which  were  never  anticipated,  and 
thus  perhaps  at  a very  early  period  in  the  family 
history,  the  entire  prospect  of  life  has  been  over- 
cast with  clouds  of  most  gloomy  and  portentous 
appearances. 

And  when,  on  the  other  hand,  the  marriage 
union  has  been  commenced  and  consummated 
under  the  direction  of  views  and  principles  so 
obviously  reasonable,  and  decidedly  religious  on 
the  part  of  all  interested,  no  combination  of  cir- 
cumstances affords  so  fair  a prospect,  and  so 
strong  an  assurance  of  a full  portion  of  earthly 
enjoyment.  Here  misfortune  cannot  extinguish 
the  ardor  of  affection,  nor  chill  the  tender  sym- 
pathies of  domestic  life.  The  world  may  frown, 
and  assume  its  most  menacing  attitudes,  and  the 
long  list  of  ephemeral  friends,  who  bask  in  the 
beams  of  another’s  prosperity,  true  to  their  own 
nature,  many  drop  off  and  disappear,  with  the 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


37 


The  duties  of  married  persons. 

decline  of  business,  and  the  decay  of  fortune. 
But  still  the  tender  sympathies,  the  sacred  asso- 
ciations, and  soul  ennobling  inspirations  of  home, 
remain  refreshing  as  a spring  of  living  waters, 
and  unvarying  as  the  evergreen,  that  retains  its 
beauty  through  all  the  shifting  seasons  of  the 
year. 

Here  a friend  is  found  “that  sticketh  closer 
than  a brother/’  here  the  toils  and  calamities  of 
life  are  forgotten,  at  least  for  a season.  The 
sympathetic  smiles  of  an  affectionate  companion, 
and  the  mirthful  prattle  of  innocent  children,  dis- 
pel even  the  gloom  of  misfortune,  and  arouse 
the  man  of  sorrow  from  the  stupor  of  grief. 
He  sees  that  while  the  great  world  without,  nei- 
ther rewards  his  industry  nor  pities  his  disap- 
pointments, he  has  a world  of  his  own  in  the 
tender  combinations  of  domestic  life.  Here  a 
stranger  does  not  intermeddle  with  his  joy. 
Here,  while  he  is  soothed  by  the  kindness  of  his 
companion,  encouraged  by  her  counsel,  and 
strengthened  by  her  co-operation,  he  stands 
against  the  rushing  flood  of  this  world’s  care  and 
turmoil,  and  maintains  himself  amidst  its  de- 
pressive casualties,  with  all  the  magnanimity  of 
a man,  who  knows  and  feels  that  he  has  a wife 
and  children — but  lest  we  should  seem  to  anti- 
4 


38 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


General  principles.  Mutual  affection. 

cipate  what  fairly  belongs  to  another  division  of 
our  subject,  we  proceed  to  notice 

II.  The  duties  arising  out  of  this  relation.  To 
enter  into  particulars,  so  as  to  embrace  all  that 
might  be  said,  would  be  hardly  expedient.  We 
shall,  therefore,  confine  ourselves  chiefly  to  gene- 
ral principles,  embracing  as  much  as  possible, 
those  leading  points  of  dutyin  the  domestic  circle, 
which  are  reciprocally  binding  between  man  and 
wife.  Of  these  the 

1st.  Is  mutual  affection . 

According  to  the  order  and  constitution  of  the 
divine  government,  man  is  appointed  to  rule  in 
the  affairs  of  this  life.  It  is  his  prerogative  to 
hold  the  reins  of  domestic  government,  and  to 
direct  the  family  interest,  so  as  to  bring  them  to  a 
happy  and  honorable  termination.  This  ap- 
pointment of  God  is  intimated  in  the  order  of  the 
creation;  and  its  propriety  is  manifested  in  the 
order  of  the  fall.  But  still,  as  it  is  the  right  of  the 
husband  to  rule, so  it  is  his  duty  to  rule  with  mode- 
ration and  love — to  love  his  wife  “ even  as  Christ 
loved  the  Church.”  Eph.  v.  25.  And  so,  also, 
the  obedience  of  the  wife  is  not  to  be  the  reluctant 
offering  of  an  ungracious  spirit,  but  the  cheerful 
service  of  a delighted  mind;  “that  if  any  obey  not 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


39 


Affection  gives  fortitude. 

the  word,  they  also  may,  without  the  word,  be 
won  by  the  conversation  of  the  wives.”  1 Pet. 
iii.  1 — 5.  This  affection  is  a most  tender,  sin- 
cere, and  kind-hearted  regard  for  each  other, 
manifesting  itself  in  all  their  words,  spirit,  and 
behavior.  It  assumes  all  the  varied  forms  of 
forbearance,  gentleness,  meekness,  and  active 
sympathy,  in  times  of  bodily  affliction,  or  mental 
distress;  it  is  the  spirit 

“ To  be  resigned,  when  ills  betide, 

Patient,  when  favors  are  denied, 

And  pleased  with  favors  given.” 

If  it  is  religiously  binding  on  every  man  to 
love  his  neighbor  as  himself,  then  certainly,  it  is 
one  of  the  plainest  cases  imaginable,  that  man 
and  wife  should  love  with  an  indefinable  fervor 
and  fixedness  of  affection,  strengthened  by  all 
that  is  manly,  and  softened  by  all  that  is  tender 
in  human  nature.  Here,  indeed,  charity  may 
hope  all  things,  believe  and  endure  all  things, 
and  even  cover  a multitude  of  sins,  and  violate 
no  one’s  rights,  nor  endanger  the  public  good. 
And  this  exercise  of  charity  is  of  the  very  great- 
est importance,  because  that  such  are  the  duties 
and  afflictions  of  domestic  life,  that  the  one  can- 
not be  discharged,  nor  can  the  other  be  endured, 
without  it.  Separated,  in  heart,  either,  or  even 
both  the  parties,  are  feeble  even  as  a bruised 


40 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE* 


Specially  important  in  domestic  life. 

reed,  and  are  unable  to  endure  the  slightest 
blast  of  adversity.  But  if  firmly  united  in  the 
bonds  of  a rational  and  fervent  affection,  they 
can  endure,  with  sublimest  fortitude,  the  angry 
shaking  of  the  fiercest  storm.  The  marriage 
compact,  when  formed  under  the  influence  of 
proper  motives,  principles,  and  affections,  is  like 
a splendid  edifice  rearing  its  majestic  dome,  alike 
amidst  the  clouds  and  sunshine  of  heaven,  and 
bearing  both  the  vicissitudes  of  youth,  and  the 
infirmities  of  age,  with  fortitude  and  cheerful- 
ness. 

The  great  operations  of  civil  government,  may 
be  carried  on  in  the  absence  of  this  heavenly 
principle;  so  also  much  of  the  pomp  and  bustle 
of  active  life  and  business  excitement,  may  be 
gotten  up  and  sustained  in  the  hope  of  earthly 
gain  or  popular  applause — but  the  more  tender 
and  sacred  interests  of  domestic  life,  can  never 
be  sustained  or  advanced  without  it.  The  vine 
and  the  olive  of  domestic  peace  and  prosperity, 
will  never  grow  luxuriantly  amidst  the  thorns 
and  briers  of  family  strife.  They  must  be  defend- 
ed against  all  unnecessary  exposure,  even  the 
winds  of  heaven  must  not  be  permitted  to  blow 
too  rudely  upon  them,  but  they  must  be  watered 
with  tears  of  conjugal  sympathy,  and  cherished 
with  the  sunshine  of  an  undecayed  affection. 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


41 


Mutual  confidence.  Its  importance. 

2.  Mutual  confidence . Nothing  is,  or  can  be 
of  more  importance  than  this,  in  maintaining,  in 
active  and  energetic  exercise,  conjugal  affection. 
To  destroy  confidence,  is  to  remove  the  founda- 
tions of  all  that  is  excellent  or  valuable  in  the 
family  circle.  Where  this  is  wanting  conjugal 
sympathy  and  tenderness  die,  and  an  infusion  of 
bitterness  is  tasted  in  every  thing,  and  the  whole 
round  of  family  duties  becomes  a heartless,  hol- 
low, and  insipid  thing.  And  hence,  any  thing 
tending,  even  remotely,  to  unhinge  the  faith  of 
either  party,  is  to  be  deprecated,  even  more  than 
death  itself.  If  they  have  secrets  to  keep,  let 
them  keep  them  to  themselves ; if  they  have 
wounds,  let  those  wounds  bleed  inwardly— a 
family  wound  should  never  be  exposed  to  the 
air.  They  should  repulse  as  an  angel  of  dark- 
ness and  death,  any  one  who  would  officiously 
pry  into  the  peculiarities  of  their  domestic  his- 
tory, or  insinuate  any  thing  to  either,  disrepu- 
table of  the  other.  By  the  manifest  appointment 
of  heaven,  and  by  the  very  nature  of  the  relation 
they  sustain,  they  are  constituted  sentinels  over 
each  other’s  reputation,  and  they  should  die 
rather  than  relinquish  their  charge. 

Let  it  be  deeply  engraven  on  their  minds,  that 
as  there  are  none  on  earth  to  whom  they  can  be 
so  nearly  allied,  as  in  the  relationship  existing 
4* 


4 2 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Wesley’s  opinion  on  the  subject. 

between  wife  and  husband,  so  there  is  none  in 
whom  it  ought  to  be  their  privilege  to  trust  with 
more  implicit  confidence;  and  if  it  is  otherwise, 
it  is  unfortunate,  indeed; — a heavier  curse  one 
could  scarcely  wish  upon  his  greatest  foe.  And 
hence  neither  should  indulge  any  vague  suspi- 
cions, nor  fill  their  minds  with  dark  and  disso- 
cial reasonings,  for  these  are  the  very  bane  of 
personal  as  well  as  of  domestic  peace  ; the  poison 
of  human  kindness,  the  very  mildew  of  the  soul, 
they  eat  into  the  moral  constitution  like  rust, 
and  canker  all  that  is  good  or  generous  in  the 
nature  of  man.  Therefore,  they  should  cultivate 
mutual  confidence,  they  should  honor  each 
other’s  word,  defend  each  other’s  reputation,  nor 
ever  relinquish  their  confidence,  until  circum- 
stances compel  the  surrender.  This  point  is 
thus  exhibited  by  Mr.  Wesley: 

“ Ye  must  be  tender  with  each  other’s  reputa- 
tion. This  requires  two  things  ; first,  that  each 
labors  to  conceal  the  weakness  of  the  other,  as 
far  as  possible,  from  all  men.  The  husband 
must  endeavor,  that  none  may  know  his  wife’s 
faults  but  himself;  and  the  wife  must  do  her 
best  to  keep  her  husband’s  faults  from  the 
knowledge  of  every  creature.  On  the  contrary, 
to  publish  each  other’s  sins,  is  a monstrous  trea- 
chery. To  backbite  an  enemy  is  a sin;  how 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


43 


Wesley’s  opinion  on  the  subject. 

much  more  to  backbite  one’s  own  yokefellow. 
Whose  faults  can  a man  cover,  if  he  cannot 
those  of  his  wife,  that  are,  in  effect,  his  own  ? 
Or  who  can  be  free  from  reproach,  if  one  so  near 
as  his  wife,  deface  his  good  name?  It  is  impos- 
sible, but  man  and  wife  must  sooner  or  later,  dis- 
cover their  weaknesses  to  one  another;  and  for 
them  to  be  playing  the  tell-tale  against  each 
other,  what  soul  does  not  loath  to  think  of  it  ? 
If  thou  hast  been  so  sinfully  talkative  before, 
now  for  shame  lay  thy  hand  upon  thy  mouth, 
that  thou  mayst  no  more  incur  the  name  of  fool, 
by  making  thy  tongue  to  spread  abroad  folly.” 
“ But  besides  this,  you  must  be  faithful  to  keep 
each  other’s  secrets.  A man  may  have  occasion 
to  acquaint  his  wife  with  things  he  would  not 
reveal  to  others;  so  a woman  to  acquaint  her 
husband.  Now,  if  in  such  cases,  a wife  finds 
that  her  husband  has  revealed  what  she  entrusted 
to  him,  alone;  or  he  finds  that  she  has  revealed 
what  he  spoke  to  her  in  the  confidence  of  love; 
this  will  breed  such  a distrust  of  the  offending 
party,  as  will  not  easily  be  removed.  Where- 
fore, let  husbands  and  wives  always  mind  this  : 
if  he  lay  up  any  thing  in  her  breast,  let  him  find 
it  safe  there  as  in  a chest  which  cannot  be  opened 
by  any  picklock.  If  she  commit  a thing  to  his  safe 
keeping,  let  it  be  imprisoned  in  his  bosom;  other- 


44 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Mutual  attention. 


Reasons. 


wise  no  man  can  choose  but  be  strange  to  one 
whom  experience  has  convinced  of  blabbing. 
And  it  is  an  infallible  truth,  that  there  is  no  com- 
fortable living  with  one  whom  we  cannot  trust.” 

3.  Mutual  attention  and  respect . Not  the 
empty  round  of  ceremonious  attentions,  that  are 
ostentatiously  crowded  into  the  family  circle,  on 
certain  occasions,  seemingly  more  to  please  be- 
holders, than  to  express  the  genuine  sentiments 
of  the  soul.  We  speak  of  that  simple,  artless, 
and  unpremeditated  respect  and  attention,  which 
genuine  love  inspires.  There  are,  however,  per- 
sons who  are  industrious  and  careful  in  business, 
skilful  in  the  management  of  their  affairs,  high 
and  influential  in  their  professions;  and  some 
who  are  reputed  persons  of  piety,  who  appear 
never  to  feel  the  obligation  of  rendering  to  wife 
or  husband,  as  the  case  may  be,  more  attention 
than  to  their  domestics  or  their  children. 

There  is  an  apparently  premeditated  abrupt- 
ness and  repulsiveness  in  their  manners,  which, 
like  every  other  thorny  substance,  is  most  keenly 
felt  by  those  who,  unfortunately,  are  nearest  to 
it.  It  is  said,  in  extenuation  of  this  fault,  that  it 
is  their  way,  and  that  they  mean  no  harm;  but, 
even  admitting  this  to  be  true,  it  certainly  is  an 
evil  way,  which  they  ought  to  abandon;  a way 
that  does  no  honor  to  themselves,  and  is  a great 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


45 


Mutual  respect.  Reasons. 

inconvenience  to  others.  That  even  persons  of 
the  most  rugged  temperament,  can  act  a better 
part,  is  scarcely  to  be  disputed.  To  prove  this 
point,  place  them  in  a selection  of  society  appro- 
priate to  your  purpose,  and  few  are  more  yielding 
or  complaisant  than  they.  We  have,  therefore, 
cause  to  fear  that  the  course  we  now  reprehend, 
instead  of  possessing  what  is  usually  claimed  for 
it,  the  excellency  of  blunt  and  unvarnished  sim- 
plicity and  frankness,  is  rather  an  exhibition  of 
ignorant  rudeness  and  uncultivated  pride.  Re- 
spect is  due  to  all,  and  especially  to  wife  and 
husband,  and  the  more  so,  because,  whatever 
may  be  said  to  the  contrary,  much  of  the  happi- 
ness of  the  present  life  depends  on  little  things. 

It  is  not  the  imposing  majesty  of  a sumptuous 
mansion,  nor  the  hollow  glare  of  gaudy  furni- 
ture, nor  the  obsequious  attentions  of  servants; 
nor  even  of  children,  that  makes  a home  of  home 
and  keeps  alive  the  sacred  blessedness  of  a mar- 
ried life.  No,  but  it  is  the  steady  exercise  of 
those  holy  charities,  that  sooth  the  sorrows,  and 
smooth  the  asperities  of  our  nature.  Those  little 
evidences  of  sincere  esteem,  those  spontaneous 
expressions  of  affection  and  tenderness,  those 
unpremeditated  smiles  and  tears  at  each  other’s 
joy  or  sorrow,  that  affectionate  officiousness, 
which  volunteers  more  readily  as  service  be- 


46 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Mutual  respect  and  assistance.  Reasons. 

comes  more  difficult,  these  are  the  things  that 
give  to  home  its  purest  and  most  powerful  at- 
tractions; where  these  abound,  the  mind  reposes 
in  all  the  confidence  of  conscious  safety,  and  in 
all  the  satisfaction  of  ample  enjoyment. 

Mutual  respect  and  attention  between  man 
and  wife,  are  essential  to  render  them  respect- 
able in  the  eyes  of  their  domestics  and  children; 
and  also  to  rqaintain  that  healthy  flow  of  soul, 
that  cheerfulness  and  buoyancy  of  spirit  so  neces- 
sary in  bearing  the  ills,  and  performing  the  duties 
of  life.  As  kindness  and  respectful  treatment 
are  due  to  all  persons,  so  they  are  specially  due 
to  ourselves  as  wife  and  husband ; for  we  cannot 
love  those  whom  we  do  not  treat  respectfully, 
nor  can  they  love  us  in  return.  Let  it  then  be  a 
principle  of  established  authority,  like  the  laws 
of  the  Medes  and  Persians,  that  changeth  not, 
to  extend  to  each  other  that  affectionate  atten- 
tion which  is  mutually  due  between  equals.  Let 
every  thing  be  studiously  avoided  that  goes  to 
lessen  either  party  in  their  own  estimation,  or 
in  that  of  other  persons ; and  let  it  never  be  for- 
gotten, that  even  a smile  or  frown,  may  gild  with 
brightness,  or  overcast  with  clouds,  that  most 
sacred  spot  on  earth,  which  you  call  home. 

4.  Mutual  assistance.  The  first  woman  was 
given  to  man,  not  to  live  upon  his  labor,  nor  yet 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


47 


Mutual  assistance.  First  woman. 

to  labor  for  his  living;  she  was  designed  to  be 
one  with  himself,  an  equal  sharer  in  his  sorrows 
and  joys,  she  was  to  be  a help-meet  for  him. 
The  relation  in  which  man  and  wife  are  placed, 
relative  to  all  that  is  either  pleasurable  or  painful 
in  the  domestic  circle,  renders  it  not  less  a dictate 
of  nature,  than  a precept  of  religion.  They 
should  bear  each  other’s  burdens,  and  give  their 
united  efforts  in  sustaining  the  cares, and  perform- 
ing the  duties  of  life.  It  is  true,  that  they  both 
have  not  the  same  class  of  duties  to  perform; 
they  have  their  different  and  appropriate  spheres 
of  action.  But  these,  however,  are  not  at  va- 
riance with  each  other;  but,  like  the  different 
parts  of  a wisely  constructed  and  well  regulated 
machine,  are  designed  and  calculated  to  act  to- 
gether in  perfect  harmony ; a harmony  always 
heightened  by  the  cheerful  concurrence  of  the 
parties,  and  tending  to  manifest  the  glory  of  God, 
and  swell  to  overflowing,  the  tide  of  their  mutual 
happiness.  There  is  a threefold  assistance  that 
married  persons  owe  to  each  other,  in  giving  in- 
terest and  enjoyment  to  the  family  circle. 

1.  There  is  an  assistance  in  promoting  the 
temporal  interests  of  the  family.  I now  take  it 
for  granted,  that  neither  of  the  parties  has  any 
separate  interests,  because  that  they  ought  not  to 
have  any;  and  hence  neither  the  wife  nor  hus- 


48 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Neglect  of  temporal  interests.  Effects. 

band  can  say,  in  strict  propriety,  that  either  has, 
separately,  an  exclusive  right  in  any  thing. 
The  husband  lives  for  his  wife,  and  she  for  her 
husband,  and  both  live  for  their  children.  And, 
therefore,  in  advancing  every  thing  which  tends 
to  ensure  family  comfort  or  respectability,  that 
may  afford  the  means  of  education  to  their  chil- 
dren, or  of  benevolence  to  other  persons ; that 
may  provide  a defence  against  reverse  of  fortune, 
sickness,  and  premature  age,  both  are  equally 
concerned.  Neither,  therefore,  should  ever,  for 
a moment,  suppose  that  he  or  she  is  at  liberty  to 
rest  or  riot  on  the  industry  and  good  manage- 
ment of  the  other.  Such  a course  is  not  only  dis- 
reputable, but  also  criminal.  And  wherever  it  is 
indulged,  it  will  inevitably  render  the  party  so 
offending,  despicable,  if  not  in  their  own  eyes, 
yet  in  those  of  more  discriminating  and  impar- 
tial judges. 

And  yet  it  is  indisputably  certain  that  there  are 
many  instances  of  this  inexcusable  neglect  and 
inattention  to  business  and  domestic  order ; this 
want  of  manifested  concern  in  the  enlargement 
and  stability  of  the  family  interests.  It  may  be 
in  one  or  even  in  both  the  parties — the  husband 
and  wife — in  either  case,  it  is  deeply  to  be  de- 
plored. Peradventure  the  one  is  inattentive  to 
his  business  abroad,  the  other  to  her  pantry,  her 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


49 


Mutual  indiscretion.  Consequences. 

wardrobe,  or  her  person,  at  home  ; or,  it  may  be, 
that  the  one  does  not  afford  the  requisite  supplies, 
or  the  other  makes  a careless  and  wasteful  distri- 
bution of  them;  and  thus  the  industry  and  good 
management  of  the  one  is  perfectly  neutralised, 
by  the  negligence  or  prodigality  of  the  other. 
And  in  some  instances,  the  kindness  and  good 
offices  of  their  friends  are  rendered  of  little  or  no 
value,  by  the  want  of  spirit  and  enterprise  com- 
mon to  ihem  both;  and  hence  poverty  and  want, 
as  the  inevitable  consequences,  ensue, — these  are 
soon  followed  by  the  loss  of  confidence,  coldness, 
indifference,  and  unkind  allusions  to  the  past, 
and  mutual  recriminations;  and  thus  all  the  sa- 
cred and  tender  familiarities  of  home,  perish 
away  into  a cold  and  heartless  round  of  chilling 
ceremonies. 

In  order  to  carry  out  this  principle  of  mutual 
assistance,  persons  must  be  contented  to  live 
within  their  income.  No  man  should  go  feast- 
ing and  dashing  through  the  country,  or  from 
city  to  city,  as  a person  of  fashion  and  show, 
while  his  wife  is  pining  away  at  home;  it  may 
be,  nursing  his  sick  or  afflicted  children,  orbend- 
ing beneath  the  burden  of  her  cares — working 
and  weeping  in  solitude  over  the  painful  con- 
trast between  her  married  and  single  condition ; 
and  on  the  other  hand,  let  no  woman,  urged  on 
5 


50 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Power  of  female  influence. 

by  a silly  ambition  to  be  ranked  among  the  more 
fashionable  circles  of  life,  plunge  her  husband 
into  the  expense  of  unnecessary  finery  and  sump- 
tuous entertainments,  which  he  cannot  afford; 
and  thus  keep  him  early  and  late  at  the  anvil  or 
the  counter,  dispirited  and  embarrassed  in  his 
business,  until  engulfed  in  the  sorrow  and  con- 
fusion of  a dishonorable  and  irremediable  bank- 
ruptcy. 

And  here  it  may  be  proper  to  remark,  that  the 
power  of  female  influence  over  the  domestic 
circle  and  family  destiny,  is  immense.  What  does 
it  avail,  if  a man  be  ever  so  industrious — rise 
early  and  retire  late,  and  eat  the  bread  of  care- 
fulness, though  he  be  all  activity,  enterprise, 
and  management,  if  he  have  an  improvident  or 
negligent  wife,  if  she  is  not  a keeper  at,  and  of 
home,  and  does  not  watch  over  the  fruits  of  his 
industry;  but  leaves  this  duty  to  be  performed 
by  her  children  or  domestics:  in  nine  cases  out  of 
ten  that  man  spends  his  strength  for  nought,  and 
his  labor  in  vain.  Let  a woman  be  but  true  to 
her  trust,  understand  and  manage  her  domestic 
affairs  with  discretion,  and  if  she  have  a husband 
worthy  of  her  affections,  they  have  a strong  and 
sufficient  guarantee  of  prosperity  and  competency 
in  the  world. 

There  is,  perhaps,  more  generally  than  is  sup- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


51 


Comparison  of  views. 

posed,  a strict  propriety  in  a frequent  comparison 
of  views  and  reorganization  of  measures  for  the 
promotion  of  the  family  interests.  In  order  to 
this,  it  is  not  necessary  to  interrupt  or  displace 
the  innocent  mirthfulness  of  the  family  hearth, 
and  to  suspend  the  sacred  charities  of  domestic 
life,  by  crowding  into  the  family  circle  the  con- 
fusion and  litigious  excitement  of  the  great  busi- 
ness world.  The  end  here  proposed,  can  be 
secured  without  this  inconvenience ; and  that  it 
ought  to  be,  is  implied  in  the  nature  of  the  mar- 
riage compact.  The  wife,  most  certainly,  has  a 
right  to  know  something  of  the  state  of  her 
husband’s  affairs,  unless  some  reason  of  affection 
for  her,  arising  out  of  the  state  of  her  health,  or 
the  character  of  her  mind,  dictate  an  opposite 
course  as  the  more  tender  and  respectful.  But 
waiving  these  exceptions,  such  consultation  is 
perfectly  reasonable.  No  man  would  cross  the 
ocean,  or  undertake  a tedious  and  perilous  jour- 
ney, without  first  consulting  with  his  family;  and 
yet  many  do  engage  in  business  speculations  not 
less  hazardous,  venture  and  lose  their  all,  with- 
out consulting  their  families,  when,  if  they  had 
been  consulted, the  prudence,  peradventure,  even 
the  timidity  of  the  wife,  might  have  restrained 
the  precipitancy  of  the  husband,  and  thus  have 
averted  the  ruin.  But  this  was  not  done;  the 


52 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


* 

The  advantages  proposed. 

family  walked  on  securely,  until  in  an  evil  hour, 
when  worldly  fancy  fed  on  golden  dreams,  the 
rains  descended, and  the  floods  came;  misfortune 
rushed  upon  them  like  an  avalanche  from  some 
Alpine  height,  cold  and  pitiless  as  death,  and 
overwhelmed  them  all  in  deep  and  heart-rending 
sorrow. 

The  policy  here  recommended,  would  in  all 
probability,  more  generally  ensure  success  in 
business;  because  that  it  would  more  certainly 
engage  the  hearty  co-operation  of  all  the  parties; 
and  in  the  event  of  any  failure,  the  disappoint- 
ment would  be  borne  with  greater  fortitude  and 
cheerfulness,  because  it  would  be  more  readily 
and  more  equally  divided. 

2.  Again,  there  is  a mutual  assistance  in  the 
maintenance  of  order — in  the  education  and 
government  of  children . It  is  difficult  to  say 
which  of  the  parents  should  be  the  more  promi- 
nent in  the  instruction  of  their  offspring.  If  prac- 
ticable, it  would  seem  that  their  efforts  should  be 
conjoined,  for  the  simple  reason  that  both  are 
equally  interested,  and  the  children  ought  to  be 
made  to  regard  their  parents  as  equally  con- 
cerned for  their  welfare. — In  some  cases  a 
father,  and  in  others  the  mother,  will  find  it 
more  convenient  to  impart  or  superintend  the 
instruction  of  the  children.  And  there  may  be 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


53 


Education  and  government  of  children. 

some  unaccountable  partiality  on  the  part  of  the 
child,  or  peculiar  aptness  to  teach  in  the  parent, 
or  some  other  cause  may  serve  to  indicate  the 
will  of  God  in  relation  to  this  question.  There 
have  been  many  instances  of  great  intellectual 
and  moral  worth,  apparently  the  result  of  ma- 
ternal instructions,  and  others  again  not  less 
illustrious,  who  have  been  more  immediately 
indebted  to  a father’s  care.  But  the  ordinary 
and  high  way  of  heaven’s  appointment  to  the 
development  of  the  mind,  and  proper  formation 
of  the  moral  powers,  calls  for  the  combined 
efforts  of  both  the  parents.  In  this  department 
of  their  duty,  two  evils  are  to  be  carefully 
avoided;  first,  the  conflicting  views  and  feelings 
between  the  parents  themselves:  and  secondly, 
the  interference  of  domestic  relations. 

The  rights  of  parents  in  their  children,  are 
equal.  If  those  children  are  honorable  and 
prosperous  in  the  world,  it  is  the  happiness  of 
both.  If  they  are  prodigal  and  vicious,  it  is 
not  more  the  misfortune  of  the  one  than  of  the 
other. 

It  is,  therefore,  a self-evident  duty,  and  one 
most  solemnly  binding  on  parents,  to  contribute 
their  united  skill,  influence,  and  authority,  to 
“ train  up  their  children  in  the  way  they  should 
go.” 


54 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


A common  evil.  Results. 

But  most  unfortunately,  it  occasionally  hap- 
pens that  one  of  those  parents,  perhaps  not  in- 
tentionally, but  yet  most  effectually,  neutralises 
the  instruction  and  salutary  discipline  exercised 
by  the  other,  by  a very  unseasonable  and  ill- 
judged  expression  of  affection.  It  may  be  that 
the  child  is  negligent  or  disobedient,  or  by  some 
irregularity  of  life,  has  rendered  it  highly  proper, 
if  not  strictly  necessary,  to  visit  its  transgression 
with  stripes;  and  the  parent  privy  to  the  offence, 
proceeds  to  discharge  the  duty,  however  painful, 
of  correcting  the  delinquent  child.  When  to  his 
or  her  infinite  regret,  and  the  permanent  injury 
of  the  youthful  offender,  the  chastisement  of  the 
one  is  worse  than  destroyed  by  the  caresses  of 
the  other,  and  the  correction  administered  as  a 
wholesome  medicine,  is  changed  into  a deadly 
poison — a savor  of  death  unto  death,  by  a de- 
claration on  the  part  of  the  opposing  parent,  that 
it  was  unjust  and  cruel,  and  ought  not  to  have 
been  inflicted.  And  it  may  be  that  the  child  is 
even  petted  and  soothed  with  sweetmeats,  and 
assurances  of  protection  in  time  to  come. 

Thus  the  seeds  of  domestic  anarchy  and  fire- 
side rebellion  and  confusion,  are  thickly  sown  in 
the  very  soil  where,  by  the  appointment  of  hea- 
ven, every  virtue  ought  to  be  carefully  planted 
and  nurtured  with  the  most  prayerful  assiduity 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


55 


Domestic  relations. 

and  tenderness.  Parents  should  remember  that 
neither  suffers  separately  by  such  imprudence. 
Their  interests  are  identical  and  indivisible,  and 
they  ought  to  know  that  the  child  who  does  not 
regard  the  one,  will  soon  learn  to  despise  the 
other  of  its  parents.  And  therefore  they  should 
most  studiously  avoid  the  manifestation  of  any 
opposition  of  sentiment  or  of  policy  in  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  family  government;  they 
should  honor  each  other’s  judgment  and  inten- 
tions, in  the  sight  of  their  children  ; and  if  they 
have  any  diversity  of  opinion,  let  them  adjust  it 
privately,  and  harmonise  their  views  with 
prayer,  in  the  sight  and  fear  of  God;  remember- 
ing that  a house  divided  against  itself,  is  soon 
brought  to  desolation. 

Reprehensible  as  is  the  practice  here  referred 
to,  we  now  turn  to  one  still  more  so;  it  is  the  of- 
ficious and  uncalled  for  interference  of  domestic 
relations — relations  living  in  the  family,  actuated 
by  a class  of  feelings  peculiar  to  themselves,  and 
it  may  be  arising  out  of  the  relation  they  sustain 
to  the  domestic  circle.  They  appear  to  think  to 
render  themselves  more  acceptable  to  the  pa- 
rents, by  the  manner  in  which  they  demean  them- 
selves towards  the  children.  And  hence  they  not 
unfrequently  conceal  or  extenuate  their  faults, 
and  with  equal  violence  to  truth,  commend  and 


56 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 

4 


Mutual  assistance  in  spiritual  interests. 

exalt  their  virtues;  and  in  those  seasons  of  retri- 
bution inseparable  from  a well-ordered  family 
government,  rush  in  between  the  offended  parent 
and  the  guilty  child,  as  the  self-constituted  pro- 
tectors of  the  little  culprit.  Peradventure,  the 
child  is  seized  as  in  a paroxysm  of  compassion, 
and  is  torn  away  from  the  hand  of  the  correcting 
parent,  and  is  thus  taught  to  regard  even  a dis- 
tant relation  as  their  guardian  angel,  and  their 
own  parents  as  unpitying  and  cruel  persecutors. 

In  what  particular  class  of  crime,  to  give  such 
conduct  its  appropriate  location,  is  difficult  to  say 
— it  is  almost  a nameless  wickedness  against  the 
domestic  circle.  It  is  a sin  against  the  parents 
and  the  child,  the  Church  and  the  State,  against 
heaven  and  earth.  Parents  are  specially  con- 
cerned in  preventing  any  such  invasion  of  their 
rights,  and  of  the  established  order  of  heaven, 
they  should  never  consent  to  such  a surrender  of 
their  authority  under  any  pretence  whatever, 
seeing  they  can  never  make  a corresponding 
transfer  of  their  responsibilities. 

3.  There  is  also  a mutual  assistance  in  pro- 
moting each  other’s  spiritual  welfare . It  is 
manifestly  a divine  appointment,  that  human 
beings  should  be  instrumental  in  the  advance- 
ment of  each  other’s  happiness,  generally,  and 
certainly  it  is  not  less  a suggestion  of  nature, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


57 


Domestic  persecution. 

than  a duty  of  religion,  that  the  more  nearly 
persons  are  related,  the  more  deeply  they  should 
sympathise  in  each  other’s  pleasures  or  pains ; 
and  the  more  ardently  they  should  labor  for  each 
other’s  felicity,  and  most  of  all  should  husband 
and  wife,  “ who  are  no  more  twain,  but  one 
flesh,”  exemplify  this  principle  before  their  fa- 
mily, and  before  the  world. 

If  that  man  be  justly  regarded  as  a domestic 
despot — a man  without  a heart,  who  should 
tyrannise  over  the  weakness  and  dependent  con- 
dition of  his  wife — who  through  a mean  and 
niggardly  capriciousness,  should  deny  her  the 
ordinary  comforts  and  enjoyments  of  life,  then 
most  certainly  the  vocabulary  of  earth  does  not 
contain  an  epithet  sufficiently  expressive  of 
scorn,  appropriately  to  describe  the  man,  who 
binds  the  conscience  of  his  wife,  as  it  were,  in 
chains  of  affliction  and  iron,  and  thus  keeps  her 
in  continual  dread  of  losing  her  soul,  merely  to 
gratify  his  graceless  bigotry. 

And  yet  there  are  instances  in  which  persons 
plight  their  solemn  vows  of  fidelity  and  affec- 
tion to  others  of  religious  opinions  adverse  to 
their  own,  secretly  intending  to  compel  a recep- 
tion of  their  own  distinctive  sentiments,  by 
argument  if  they  can,  but  by  coercive  measures 
if  need  be.  But  who  can  give  utterance  to  the 


58 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Should  pray  for  each  other. 

detestation,  which  every  upright  mind  must  feel, 
against  a person  of  this  description,  who,  while 
he  is  smiling  with  all  the  apparent  cheerfulness 
of  a bridegroom’s  heart,  is  secretly  meditating 
with  cold  creeping  hypocrisy,  the  unpitying  per- 
secution of  a heartless  bigot;  or  who,  after  the 
irrevocable  amen  of  the  marriage  ceremony, 
tears  his  new  made  wife  from  all  her  well  tried 
friends,  and  dearly  loved  religious  associations? 
Surely  such  a one  knows  but  little  of  the  sym- 
pathy, that  should  bind  even  man  to  man,  and 
that  constitutes  the  great  active  principle  of  ter- 
restrial happiness;  and  still  less  does  he  know  of 
the  principles  and  affections,  which  give  confi- 
dence comfort,  and  sanctity  to  the  marriage 
union,  and,  least  of  all,  of  the  spirit  and  power 
of  the  religion  of  Christ  Jesus. 

If,  as  is  the  case  in  many  instances,  business 
calls,  or  professional  duties  render  it  impractica- 
ble for  the  heads  of  a family  frequently  to  read 
and  pray  together,  and  thus  to  confirm  each 
other’s  faith,  and  to  afford  mutual  defence 
against  the  temptations  and  discouragements  of 
life;  they  are,  nevertheless,  to  pray  for  each 
other,  and  to  cultivate  a lively  and  active  sym- 
pathy and  regard  for  each  other’s  welfare.  For 
there  never  can  come  up  a period  in  life,  nor 
can  we  conceive  of  any  combination  of  circum- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


59 


Additional  reflections. 


stances,  that  render  it  even  allowable  in  either 
to  abridge  the  privileges,  or  trammel  the  con- 
science of  the  other.  By  all  that  is  sacred  in 
nature,  or  that  is  holy  in  religion,  they  are 
bound  to  care  for  each  other's  souls;  not  only 
to  avoid  giving  any  just  cause  of  offence,  or 
placing  a stumbling  block  in  the  way,  but  also 
to  afford  such  means  and  facilities  of  improve- 
ment, as  it  may  be  in  their  power  to  command; 
and  thus  to  help  each  other  to  work  out  their 
salvation  with  fear  and  trembling  before  God. 
As  by  the  appointment  of  God,  the  husband  is 
the  head  of  the  family,  and  claims  and  exercises 
the  authority  of  a ruler,  he  ought  also  to  bear 
in  mind,  that  it  is  not  less  his  duty  to  be  equally 
prominent  in  promoting  the  spiritual  interests  of 
his  house.  Jos,  xxiv.  15. 

In  addition  to  these  general  views,  we  may 
here,  with  propriety,  notice  some  other  special 
duties,  which  are  mutually  due  between  man 
and  wife.  Thus  it  is  required  of  woman  to 
show  a spirit  of  subordination,  and  to  obey  her 
husband.”  Eph.  v,  22.  But  it  is  also  re- 
quired of  the  husband  that  he  love  and  protect 
his  wife — that  he  cultivate  for  her  the  most 
tender  affection — that  he  protect  her  according 
to  his  power,  in  person — health — property — and 
reputation.  Every  thing  pertaining  to  her  com- 


60 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Additional  reflections. 

fort,  should  be  granted,  as  far  as  in  his  power, 
with  a ready  and  cheerful  mind.  “ He  is  to 
love  his  wife  as  Christ  loved  the  Church.” 
Eph.  v,  25.  “ As  it  is  required  of  the  wife,  that 

she  reverence  her  husband,  not  as  a superior 
being,  but  as  her  superior  in  the  domestic  econo- 
my; and  that,  therefore,  she  should  not  usurp 
authority  over  the  man,  because  Adam  was  first 
formed,  then  Eve.”  1 Tim.  ii,  11,  14.  So  it  is 
also  binding  on  the  husband  not  to  render  him- 
self ridiculous  and  contemptible  in  the  eyes  of 
his  wife,  by  any  indecencies  of  speech,  or  vile 
and  trifling  associations.  He  is  to  maintain  his 
place,  not  so  much  by  physical  power  or  brute 
force,  as  by  the  excellency  of  his  example,  and 
those  developments  of  mental  and  moral  supe- 
riority, and  greater  tact  in  the  management  of 
affairs,  which  it  is  reasonable  to  expect  from  his 
relation,  and  which  will,  in  most  cases,  insure  a 
ready  and  cheerful  submission  to  rule.  1 Pet, 
iii,  3,  7.  Again,  as  it  is  the  duty  of  the  woman 
to  be  a keeper  at  home,  and  not  to  be  wander- 
ing from  her  place,  like  an  unhappy  spirit 
seeking  rest  and  finding  none,  Titus,  ii,  5,  so 
most  unquestionably,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  hus- 
band to  render  that  home  as  interesting  and 
cheerful  as  possible.  Let  him  throw  around  it, 
all  the  attractions  he  can — let  him  render  it 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


61 


Additional  reflections. 

cheerful  with  the  music  of  his  own  voice,  and 
instructive  with  the  fruit  of  his  own  reading  and 
experience.  Let  him  share  in  the  little  details  of 
domestic  toil,  nor  think  it  unworthy  a man  to 
assist  in  nursing  his  young,  or  ministering  to  his 
afflicted  children.  Thus  “ let  every  one,  in  par- 
ticular, love  his  wife  even  as  himself ; and  the 
wife  see  that  she  reverence  her  husband.  ” Eph, 
v.  33. 

A marriage  union  thus  enlightened  by  reason, 
cemented  by  affection,  and  sanctified  by  reli- 
gion, sustainedby  its  appropriate  sympathies, and 
an  undeviating  fidelity,  by  a cheerful  co-opera- 
tion in  carrying  forward  the  interests,  and  esta- 
blishing the  reputation  of  the  domestic  circle  on  a 
pure  and  Scriptural  basis,  is  one  of  the  sweetest 
scenes  of  earthly  felicity,  and  holiest  associations 
of  human  nature;  over  which  the  monarchy  of 
heaven  presides.  Such  the  marriage  union  was 
at  its  first  institution,  and  such  it  is  designed  to 
be  even  now,  and  so  to  continue  until  time  shall 
be  no  more;  and  its  high  and  sacred  typical 
allusions  shall  be  consummated  at  the  marriage 
supper  of  the  Lamb. 

III.  We  shall  conclude  this  discourse  with 
some  miscellaneous  reflections.  The  advantages 
resulting  to  society  from  this  institution,  are 
numerous,  and  in  point  of  importance,  great 
6 


62 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Concluding  reflections. 

beyond  all  calculation.  It  would  be  interesting 
to  take  some  notice  of  these,  and  to  exhibit  them 
in  contrast  with  the  wretched  and  loathsome 
state  of  things,  which  would  inevitably  ensue 
upon  a dissolution  generally,  of  this  most  sacred 
compact.  And  this,  indeed,  would  be  indispen- 
sable, in  a discourse  designed  to  defend  the 
institution  against  the  scoffs  and  raillery  of  licen- 
tious infidels  and  atheistic  debauchees;  but  we 
address  ourselves  to  another  class  of  persons, 
who,  while  they  acknowledge  the  Divine  origin 
and  sacred  obligations  of  the  marriage  contract, 
do  not  sufficiently  consider  the  manner  in  which 
it  stands  related  to  all  that  is  amiable,  praise- 
worthy, or  of  good  report  among  men.  We 
shall,  therefore,  dispense  with  the  views  above 
referred  to.  Our 

1.  Reflection  relates  to  such  as  make  the  in- 
stitution an  instrument  of  gain.  How  super- 
latively vile  is  the  spirit,  and  infamous  the 
conduct  of  that  man  who  prostitutes  this  most 
sacred  appointment  of  the  living  God,  into  a 
mere  means  of  accumulating  wealth.  Who 
regards  the  marriage  union  as  a monied  specula- 
tion, who,  if  the  expression  may  be  allowed, 
gambles  for  the  affections  of  a woman,  only  as 
the  means  of  approach  to  her  wealth,  and  seeks 
her  union  in  marriage,  to  gratify  his  cold  blooded 
avarice. 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


63 


Marriages  for  gain  a vice. 

The  love  of  gain  is  the  master  passion  of  his 
bosom,  and  provided  this  can  be  satisfied,  then 
every  other  feeling  is  bribed  into  a temporary 
concurrence  in  the  sacrilegious  arrangement. 
What  does  he  care  for  temper,  education,  per- 
sonal appearance,  or  accomplishments,  age,  dis- 
position, piety,  or  any  other  thing  that  gives 
pure  and  soul-winning  attractions  to  woman? 
Gain  is  the  god  that  he  worships,  and  to  this 
idol  of  his  own  choice,  with  all  the  fanaticism 
of  an  Asiatic  devotee,  he  offers  in  willing  sacri- 
fice his  deathless  soul. 

It  would  be  startling  to  any  simple  and  unsus- 
pecting mind,  whose  thoughts  have  not  been 
turned  to  such  investigations  of  character,  to  see 
unveiled,  the  bosom  of  any  one  of  these  unprin- 
cipled speculators  on  female  credulity,  and  to 
witness  the  reasonings  of  their  heartless  cupidity, 
on  the  pecuniary  advantages  they  are  to  reap 
from  such  a legalised  villany.  Having  ascer- 
tained the  extent  of  her  fortune,  houses,  lands, 
stocks,  and  ready  cash,  this  heartless  form  of  a 
Uian,  sets  himself  to  gain  the  affection  of  his 
victim,  not  that  he  cares  for  the  love  of  any  living 
thing,  but  merely  as  the  price  which  he  reluc- 
tantly pays  for  the  possession  of  her  person  and 
property. 

Is  it  to  be  wondered  at  that  marriages  formed 


64 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Such  marriages  wretched. 

under  the  influence  of  so  much  deception,  such 
sordid  and  selfish  views,  should  be  followed  by 
the  most  unhappy  and  lamentable  results  ? 
When  a woman  sees,  that  instead  of  having 
married  a man,  she  has  been  united  to  a mon- 
ster; and  that  her  husband  only  took  that  sacred 
name  and  relation,  the  more  effectually  to  plun- 
der and  enslave  her;  that  the  man  who  swore,  as 
in  the  presence  of  God,  that  his  love  for  her  was 
sincere  and  without  guile,  and  that  his  fidelity 
should  never  be  broken;  when  she  sees  that  un- 
kind and  cruel  man  wasting  in  dissipation  and 
folly,  even  that  substance  which  was  once  all 
her  own,  earned  by  the  industry,  and  bequeathed 
by  the  kindness  of  her  parents  ; and  treating  her 
with  increasing  coldness  and  indifference,  as  her 
property  is  becoming  exhausted.  Is  it,  I in- 
quire, surprising  that  her  soul  within  her,  should 
recoil  at  his  sight,  and  even  court  the  grave  as 
an  asylum  from  his  brutality? 

But  we  may  trace  this  crime  in  connection 
with  another  class  of  agents.  We  refer  to  those 
parents,  (to  the  shame  of  human  nature  be  it 
spoken,)  who  form  all  their  matrimonial  arrange- 
ments for  their  children,  on  the  principle  of  loss 
and  gain;  it  is  with  them  exclusively  a matter 
of  dollars  and  cents.  Marriage  contracts,  on  this 
single  principle,  are  formed  and  broken  by  them, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


65 


A case  for  illustration. 

or  at  their  instance,  without  any  regard  to  either 
God  or  man,  religion  or  law.  With  them,  pro- 
perty is  the  all-essential  qualification.  Their 
children  are  said  to  marry  well,  as  they  marry 
wealth,  and  their  sons-in-law  and  daughters-in- 
law  are  esteemed  only  in  proportion  to  their 
property,  apart  from  all  consideration  of  men- 
tal or  moral  worth. 

To  exhibit  this  vice  in  its  proper  light,  we  will 
suppose  a case  that  frequently  occurs: — A young 
man  solicits  the  hand  of  their  daughter  in  mar- 
riage, but  rumor  says  he  is  somewhat  irregular 
in  his  habits.  He  has  been  seen  in  a state  of 
intoxication ; it  is  currently  reported  that  he  is 
loose  in  his  morals,  and  he  has  been  seen  in 
very  disreputable  society,  and  in  places  of  worse 
than  doubtful  character.  But  he  has  property, 
an  independent  fortune,  and  although  a mere 
animal,  a man  in  the  lowest  sense  of  that  word, 
it  is  esteemed  a good  chance,  a fine  speculation. 
The  parents  consult  together,  and  agree  to  for- 
ward the  union ; the  daughter  receives  the  inti- 
mation, and  hesitates  or  revolts.  She  cannot 
love  what  is  so  essentially  unlovely,  she  resists, 
weeps,  and  refuses  to  be  seen.  The  parents 
frown  and  chide  her;  and  interdict  all  other  so- 
ciety,  they  extenuate  the  young  man’s  faults, 
and  exaggerate  his  worth,  if  he  have  any.  If 
6* 


66 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Extract  from  Wesley. 

he  have  none,  they  fabricate  it  for  him ; his  fa- 
mily, parents,  and  relations  are  referred  to;  and 
thus,  at  length,  with  incessant  urgings,  frowns, 
and  smiles,  her  resistance  gives  way,  not  very 
unlike  a city  taken  by  stratagem,  and  she  con- 
sents to  a reluctant  union  with  a man,  who  pos- 
sessing, it  may  be,  the  wealth  of  a prince,  is 
controlled  by  the  passions  of  a pirate. 

We  do  not  say  that  a proper  regard  to  the 
temporal  interests  of  their  children  is  reprehen- 
sible in  parents.  We  have  named  the  evil  to 
which  we  refer,  and  it  would  be  the  wildest 
presumption  imaginable,  for  any  one  to  hope 
that  marriages  thus  framed,  could  be  any  thing 
but  miserable;  disappointment  and  disgust  must 
inevitably  ensue,  with  their  long  train  of  painful 
and  humiliating  reflections  to  canker  and  eat 
into  the  soul  like  fire.  Let  those  parents  in- 
volved in  the  above  reflections, consider  the  awful 
responsibility  they  thus  incur,  and  the  force  with 
which  it  may  recoil  upon  them  unexpectedly,  at 
the  last  day.  We  conclude  this  view  of  our  sub- 
ject with  the  following  strong  language  from  the 
Rev.  J.  Wesley’s  sermon  on  the  single  eye.  “I 
cannot  dismiss  this  subject  yet,  as  it  is  of  the 
utmost  importance.  How  great  is  the  darkness 
of  that  execrable  wretch  ( I can  give  him  no  better 
title,  be  he  rich  or  poor)  who  will  sell  his  own 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


67 


Extract  from  Wesley. 

child  to  the  devil!  Who  will  barter  her  own 
eternal  happiness  for  any  quantity  of  gold  or 
silver.  What  a monster  would  any  man  be  ac- 
counted, who  would  devour  the  flesh  of  his  own 
offspring.  And  is  not  he  as  great  a monster,  who 
by  his  own  act  and  deed,  gives  her  to  be  de- 
voured by  a roaring  lion,  as  he  certainly  does, 
(so  far  as  is  in  his  power,)  who  marries  her  to  an 
ungodly  man?  But  he  is  rich! — but  he  has  ten 
thousand  pounds ! ! What  if  it  were  an  hundred 
thousand?  The  more  the  worse;  the  less  proba- 
bility will  she  have  of  escaping  the  damnation  of 
hell.  With  what  face  wilt  thou  look  upon  her, 
when  she  tells  thee  in  the  realms  below,  ‘ Thou 
hast  plunged  me  into  this  place  of  torment. 
Hadst  thou  given  me  a good  man,  however  poor, 
I might  now  have  been  in  Abraham’s  bosom. 
But  0 what  have  riches  profited  me!  They 
have  sunk  both  me  and  them  into  hell  V 

“ Are  any  of  you  that  are  called  Methodists, 
thus  merciful  to  your  children.  Seeking  to  mar- 
ry them  well , (as  the  cant  phrase  is,)  that  is,  to 
sell  them  to  some  purchaser  that  has  much 
money,  but  little  or  no  religion  ? Is,  then,  the 
light  that  is  in  you  also  become  darkness  ? Are 
ye  too  regarding  God  less  than  mammon?  Are 
ye  also  without  understanding?  Have  ye  pro- 
fited no  more  by  all  ye  have  heard  ? Man— 


GS 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Wesley’s  opinion  on  the  subject. 

woman — think  what  ye  are  about!  Dare  you, 
also,  sell  your  child  to  the  devil?  You  doubtless 
do  this,  (as  far  as  in  you  lies,)  when  you  marry  a 
son  or  daughter  to  a child  of  the  devil,  though  it 
be  one  that  wallows  in  gold  and  silver.  0 take 
warning.  Beware  of  the  gilded  bait!  Death 
and  hell  are  hid  beneath.  Prefer  grace  before 
gold  and  precious  stones;  glory  in  heaven,  to 
riches  on  earth.  If  you  do  not,  you  are  worse 
than  the  very  Canaanites.  They  only  made  their 
children  pass  through  the  fire  to  Moloch.  You 
make  yours  pass  into  the  fire  that  shall  never  be 
quenched,  and  to  stay  there  forever.  0 how 
great  is  the  darkness  that  causes  you,  after  you 
have  done  this,  to  wipe  your  mouth,  and  say  you 
have  done  no  harm!” 

Again,  we  may  view  this  sin  in  connection 
with  still  another  agency  not  less  wicked,  and  if 
possible,  still  more  indelicate,  for  whatever  may 
be  the  intrinsic  merits  of  the  case,  there  is  a com- 
mon understanding,  that  for  a woman  to  seek 
a husband  either  by  force  or  fraud,  is  both  a vio- 
lation of  good  manners,  and  a risk  of  moral 
virtue. 

And  yet  that  this  is  sometimes  done,  and  with 
woful  effect,  is  no  more  to  be  disputed  than  the 
forms  of  vice  referred  to  in  the  preceding  re- 
marks. This  is  not  unfrequently  the  result  of 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


69 


Match  making’. 

that  most  infamous  practice  of  match  making, 
which  obtains,  in  some  sections  of  country — a 
scheme  is  devised  by  one  or  more  minds,  which 
shall,  in  its  progressive  development,  ensnare  an 
old  or  young  man  as  the  case  may  be,  and  place 
him  in  such  a situation  that  his  conduct  and 
conversation  may  be  tortured  into  an  implied 
promise  of  marriage,  a thing  which  he  could 
never  have  hoped  for,  and  which,  because  he 
never  thought  of,  he  never  feared.  But  no 
sooner  are  the  plans  fairly  adjusted,  and  in  effi- 
cient operation,  than  incidental  disclosures  ad- 
vise him  of  the  real  state  of  affairs.  Most 
gladly  would  this  unsuspecting  victim  of  a com- 
bination, now  hasten  his  escape  from  the  windy 
storm  and  tempest;  but  it  is  too  late,  he  is  threat- 
ened with  the  penalties  of  the  law,  and  the 
anathemas  of  religion.  The  state  is  invoked  to 
unsheath  the  sword  of  civil  power,  and  the 
church  is  called  upon  to  fulminate  her  thunders, 
and  all  to  satisfy  the  pure  love  of  some  venera- 
ble widow,  or  still  more  venerable  virgin.  Ter- 
rified by  such  an  array,  the  party  most  deeply 
interested  consents  to  be  persecuted  into  a mar- 
ried life.  The  parties  have  a special  meeting 
in  the  presence  of  select  friends,  a marriage 
contract  is  formed,  (shame,  where  is  thy  blush!) 
writings  are  drawn,  and  an  agreement  is  entered 


70 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Marriage  contracts. 

into;  it  is  signed,  sealed  and  delivered.  And 
what  is  its  import?  Why,  that  the  parties  will 
live  together  as  man  and  wife,  but  have  no  part 
or  interest  in  each  other’s  property;  these  are 
by  previous  stipulations,  as  separate  as  before 
the  marriage,  and  are  watched  over  with  an 
increased  solicitude  and  jealousy  proportioned 
to  the  increase  of  danger.  I submit  it  to  any 
one  to  say,  whether  there  is  not  here,  a most 
shameless  exhibition  of  two  of  the  most  un- 
seemly passions  in  human  nature  grappling  with 
each  other,  licentiousness  and  avarice.  In  this 
case,  the  woman  declares  in  the  presence  of  God 
and  man,  that  she  does  love,  and  will  love  a 
man,  whom  she  has  taken  as  her  husband  for 
better  or  worse,  and  to  whom  she  actually  com- 
mits the  keeping  of  her  person,  but  still  she 
would  not  trust  him  with  even  a few  hundred 
dollars. 

Is  not  this  a manifest  desecration  of  the  insti- 
tution? Can  it  be  said,  in  truth,  of  any  two 
persons,  after  such  an  arrangement,  that  they 
are  no  more  twain,  but  one  flesh?  Are  they 
not  two  in  every  sense,  but  one.  It  is  admitted 
that  they  live  in  the  same  house,  and  form  a 
part  of  the  same  family  compact,  but  they  have 
two  separate  hearts , interests  and  agencies;  we 
may  excuse 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


71 


The  practice  inexcusable. 

The  wild  herd  of  nymphs  and  swains, 

That  thoughtless  fly  into  the  chains, 

As  custom  leads  the  way. 

The  weakness  and  thoughtlessness  of  youth 
are  their  apology,  but  there  is  no  apology  for 
persons  of  this  class,  who,  with  the  coolness  of 
philosophy,  and  the  cupidity  of  avarice  itself, 
take  upon  themselves  the  vows  of  a married 
life,  after  having  entered  into  such  stipulations, 
as  to  a great  extent,  divest  it  of  its  interest, 
and  neutralise  the  ends  of  the  appointment. 
But  let  us  turn  from  these  to  more  pleasing  con- 
templations. 

2.  Our  next  reflection,  regards  the  sacred 
intimacy  and  indissoluble  nature  of  the  mar- 
riage union.  They,  said  our  Lord,  are  no  more 
twain  but  one  flesh.  They  have  no  separate 
interests,  nor  ought  they  to  have  any;  one 
home,  one  heart,  and  one  interest  in  temporal 
things,  is  all  they  need;  and  hence,  they  should 
ever  cultivate  that  tender  regard  for  each  other, 
which  distinguished  the  commencement,  and 
especially  the  consummation  of  their  union. 
They  are  not  to  expect  all  that  fancy  can  picture 
of  connubial  felicity;  but  are  to  keep  in  mind, 
that  much  of  earthly  happiness  is  the  result  of 
forbearance  and  meekness,  gentleness  and  forti- 
tude, and  those  milder  traits  of  character,  which 


72 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Meekness  and  forbearance  recommended. 

pure  religion  inspires.  And  it  is  also  to  be  kept 
in  mind,  that  persons  often  err  unintentionally, 
and  wound  their  friends  without  design;  and  that 
there  are  seasons  of  depression,  unwatchfulness 
and  nervous  gloom,  which  a hasty  spirit  would 
censure,  but  which  rather  give  special  claims 
to  our  sympathies  and  assistance,  our  pity  and 
our  prayers.  In  the  language  of  an  old  author, 
6 bear  then,  with  the  faults  of  those  about  you,  as 
you  expect  they  should  bear  with  yours.  Faults 
which  frail  nature  cannot  well  guard  against, 
and  which  good  nature  should  overlook.  Be 
just  to  their  merits,  charitable  to  their  failings, 
and  tender  to  their  misfortunes.  All  other 
ornaments  fade  and  decay,  and  sorrow  or  age 
makes  beauiy  consume  away  like  as  it  were 
a moth  fretting  a garment . There  is  only 
one  unfading  beauty , one  undecaying  orna- 
ment, which  is  of  infinitely  more  worth  than  all 
the  rest,  and  that  is  the  ornament  of  a meek 
and  quiet  spirit  ” Seed’s  Ser. 

Every  other  relation  is  to  be  held  subordinate 
to  this;  for  this  cause,  (said  our  Lord,)  shall  a 
man  leave  his  father  and  mother,  and  shall 
cleave  to  his  wife,  and  they  shall  be  one.  From 
that  impressive  moment  in  which  they  are  pro- 
nounced man  and  wife,  they  have  no  separate 
joy  or  sorrow.  They  both  drink  the  same  cup, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


73 

Sacredness  of  marriage, 

whether  it  be  of  nectar  or  of  gall.  They  have 
the  same  perils,  the  same  griefs,  the  same  plea- 
sures and  pains, 

“ They  share  each  other’s  woes, 

Each  other’s  burden  bear 
And  often  for  each  other  flows 
The  sympathysing  tear.” 

Life  is  never  a sunny  day  throughout.  It  is 
Subject  to  clouds,  and  even  to  storms;  to  many 
and  painful  vicissitudes,  but  still  they  are  one, 
sacredly  and  inseparably  one.  And  0 how  ten- 
der is  that  identity  of  character,  interest,  and 
sympathy  of  flesh  and  soul,  which  sets  at  de- 
fiance the  rude  blasts  of  misfortune,  and  remains 
unchanged  amidst  the  shifting  scenes  of  this  in- 
constant world.  Thus  understood,  ttiis  certainly 
is  one  of  the  most  beneficent  appointments  of  an 
indulgent  Providence.  Here  the  human  heart 
has  its  proper  point  of  attraction,  and  the  full 
tide  of  human  sympathy  is  taught  to  ebb  and 
flow,  under  regulations  appointed  and  approved 
by  heaven. 

0 how  sacred  is  that  home  where  every  word 
is  kindness,  and  every  look  affection  ! Where 
the  ills  and  sorrows  of  life  are  borne  by  mutual 
effort,  and  its  pleasures  are  equally  divided;  and 
where  each  esteems  the  other  the  more  worthy. 
Where  a holy  emulation  abounds  to  excel  in 
7 


74 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Its  blessedness. 

offices  of  kindness,  and  affectionate  regard. 
Where,  the  live-long  day,  the  week,  the  month, 
the  year,  is  a scene  of  cheerful  and  unwearied 
effort  to  swell  the  tide  of  domestic  comfort,  and 
overflow  the  heart  with  home-born  enjoyments. 
That  home  may  be  the  humblest  hovel  on  earth, 
there  heart  meets  heart,  in  all  the  fondness  of  a 
full  affection.  And  wherever  that  spot  is  found, 
there  is  an  exemplification  of  all  that  is  lovely 
and  of  good  report  among  men.  It  is  heaven 
begun  below. 

In  conclusion,  if  we  would  enjoy  the  advan- 
tages of  wealth,  or  endure  the  inconveniences  of 
poverty;  if  we  would  render  youth  safe,  or  age 
cheerful;  if  we  would  he  loved  while  living,  or 
affectionately  remembered  when  dead,  then  let 
us  regulate  our  lives  in  regard  to  this  institution, 
according  to  the  revealed  will  of  God;  and  in 
that  event,  we  shall  hereafter  renew  and  per- 
petuate forever  in  heaven,  those  pious  affections 
we  shall  have  formed  on  earth.  And  after 
having  borne  each  other’s  burdens  in  this  vale 
of  tears,  we  shall  share  and  heighten  each  other’s 
felicity  in  the  society  of  the  redeemed,  and  in 
the  city  of  God. 


DISCOURSE  II. 


DUTY  OF  PARENTS. 

Eph.  vi.  4.  “ And  ye  fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to 
wrath,  but  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord.” 

One  of  the  most  sacred  and  honorable  rela- 
tions sustained  by  man,  is  that  more  prominently 
recognised  in  the  text.  This  differs  essentially 
from  all  those  formed  among  men,  having  their 
foundations  chiefly  in  the  calculations  of  interest, 
the  cravings  of  passion,  or  the  suggestions  of 
policy. 

It  is  confessedly  honorable  to  be  a friend  of 
the  destitute,  a benefactor  of  the  poor,  a guide  or 
an  instructor  of  the  ignorant  and  forsaken;  a 
judge,  legislator,  or  civil  ruler  of  the  people. 
But,  then,  there  is  still,  even  in  these  relations, 
much  that  is  remote  and  precarious.  They  do 
do  not  necessarily  imply  habits  of  special  inti- 
macy or  the  sympathies  of  personal  friendship, 
and  hence  they  are  liable  to  be  interrupted,  sus- 
pended, or  even  destroyed;  and  that  under  such 
circumstances  as  will  forever  preclude  the  possi- 
bility of  their  re-establishment. 


76 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Responsibilities  of  a Parent. 

But  a man  once  a father,  is  a father  forever. 
He  may  be  subject  to  many  and  painful  vicissi- 
tudes of  fortune,  to  loss  of  friends,  estate,  and 
reputation.  He  may  be  exiled  from  the  play- 
grounds of  his  youth,  and  the  sepulchres  of  his 
ancestry;  he  may  be  doomed  to  all  that  is  drudge- 
like in  labor,  that  is  painful  in  suffering,  or  that 
is  loathsome  in  disease.  He  may  be  reduced 
from  the  loftiest  elevation  of  fame  and  fortune, 
to  the  humblest  hovel  in  the  vale  of  obscurity, 
but  once  a father,  he  is  a father  forever. 

The  ever-moving  tide  of  earthly  affairs,  may 
remove  his  children  to  a distance,  the  most  re- 
mote; disease  may  enfeeble,  or  accident  may 
maim ; prodigality  may  reduce  them  to  want,  or 
crime  incarcerate  them  in  the  gloom  of  a prison, 
yea,  even  expose  them  as  the  devotees  of  vice, 
infamously  suspended  on  the  gibbet,  but  still  the 
relation  continues,  the  indestructible  character  of 
the  father  remains  as  firm  as  when  at  first  his 
infant’s  cries  kindled  parental  feelings  in  his 
bosom. 

Hence  we  ought  to  regard  the  birth  of  our 
children  as  an  event  having  an  eternity  of  im- 
portance associated  with  it.  Our  children  appear 
on  this  stage  of  action,  candidates  for  endless 
felicity  or  woe.  A destiny  of  honor  or  infamy, 
of  pleasure  or  pain,  is  inevitable ; be  happy  or 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


77 


The  subject  of  discussion.  Difficult. 

miserable,  they  must ; either  the  joys  of  heaven, 
or  the  fires  of  hell,  must  conclude  their  history ; 
and  much,  very  much  depends  on  parents,  in 
which  of  these  states  their  children  shall  find 
their  ultimate  and  unalterable  doom. 

The  responsibility  of  parents  is,  therefore,  one 
of  fearful  magnitude,  and  one  that  should  be 
most  scrupulously  regarded  with  an  humble 
dependence  on  the  divine  assistance,  and  a steady 
reference  to  that  future  and  eternal  world,  where 
the  transactions  of  the  present  life  will  be  matter 
of  careful  review,  and  impartial  retribution. 
With  these  impressions  on  our  minds,  let  us  ex- 
amine our  duty  as  it  is  set  forth  in  the  text. 

I.  Let  us  explain  the  prohibition,  “ And  ye 
father’s  provoke  not  your  children  to  wrath.” 

By  wrath,  here,  we  may  understand  evil  in 
general ; and  to  provoke,  in  the  sense  of  the  text, 
to  expose,  to  tempt,  or  to  vex;  ‘ Provoke  not 
your  children  to  wrath,’  is  therefore,  a command 
of  very  extensive  import. 

The  subject  here  to  be  explained,  is  one  in- 
volving so  many  interests  and  parties,  and  so 
much  feeling,  that  it  is  difficult  to  place  it  in  a 
proper  light  without  seeming  to  say  more  than  is 
strictly  necessary,  or  can  be  fully  justified  by 
7* 


78 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Importance  of  knowing  our  duty. 

actual  experience;  and  parents,  also,  are  very 
properly  jealous  of  their  rights  in  their  children, 
and  are  instinctively  fearful  of  any  thing  that 
might  inflate  their  minds  with  principles  of  in- 
subordination. And  far  be  it  from  me  to  slacken 
the  reins  of  parental  authority,  which  are  now, 
most  unfortunately,  only  too  loosely  held  by 
those  who  should  “command  their  children  after 
them.”  But  after  all,  what  we  must  do,  on  the 
one  hand,  and  what  we  dare  not  do  on  the  other, 
in  order  to  maintain  a conscience  void  of  offence, 
towards  God  and  our  children,  is  a question  of 
immense  moment.  And  where  to  find  the  me- 
dium ground  between  a criminal  laxity  of  disci- 
pline, and  a domestic  despotism;  how  to  grant 
our  children  the  proper  indulgence,  and  to  impose 
the  necessary  restraints,  these  are  questions  that 
have  perplexed  the  minds,  and  agitated  the 
bosom  of  many  devoted  parents.  If  this  text 
does  not  give  a perfectly  full  and  satisfactory 
answer  to  these  questions,  it  does  most  certainly 
point  out  a line  of  conduct  in  every  way,  accor- 
ding to  reason,  and  highly  conducive  to  domestic 
order  and  filial  devotion,  as  well  as  the  more 
important  ends  of  virtue  and  religion. 

Parents  are  addressed  in  the  text;  for  although 
fathers  only  are  named,  it  is  not  because  that 
they  are  the  only  responsible  party,  but  simply 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


79 


Domestic  oppressioo. 

in  view  of  the  fact  that  they  are  the  more  promi- 
nent, and  ought  to  be  the  more  influential  in 
the  maintaining  of  good  order  in  the  family  go- 
vernment. Both  the  parents  are  alike  interested 
in  bringing  up  their  children  in  the  way  they 
should  go,  and  both  are  cautioned  in  the  text, 
not  to  give  them  needless  provocation. 

In  our  original  condition,  the  ordinary  instincts 
of  human  nature  would  have  been  sufficient  to 
have  insured  the  course  of  conduct  here  enjoined. 
But  fallen,  as  man  now  is,  by  sin  ; perverted  by 
prejudice,  and  enslaved  by  passion,  neither  the 
instincts  of  nature,  nor  the  more  authoritative 
voice  of  God,  speaking  in  his  holy  word,  is  suf- 
ficient to  secure  that  attention  to  children,  that 
their  ignorance,  weakness,  want  of  experience, 
and  dependent  condition  require.  How  very 
few  bring  them  up  in  the  way  they  should  go  ? 
And  how  often  are  their  feelings,  interests,  and 
reputation,  sported  with  as  a thing  of  nought,  by 
an  arbitrary  or  capricious  parent?  The  text 
assumes  the  fact,  that  parents  may,  and  in  some 
instances  do,  provoke  their  children  to  wrath, 
and  under  cover  of  this  assumption,  we  proceed 
to  remark  that  this  is  done  in  some  instances. 

1.  By  instituting  an  arbitrary  and  oppressive 
form  of  domestic  government.  Parents  are 
most  tenderly  to  regard,  and  religiously  to  watch 


80 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Domestic  oppression. 

over  the  temper  and  spiritual  interests  and  rights 
of  their  children.  For  children  have  rights  to 
protection,  support,  education,  and  all  the  cha- 
racter that  parents  can  give  them.  And  there- 
fore, they  are  not  to  be  provoked  by  withholding 
these  things  ; or  by  severity,  contempt,  or  indif- 
ference. 

But,  nevertheless,  there  are  instances  in  which 
it  does  occur,  that  parents  overlook  these  facts, 
and  apparently  forget  that  all  government,  whe- 
ther designed  to  regulate  the  interests  of  the 
state,  the  church,  or  the  family,  is  a reasonable 
institution,  arising  either  out  of  the  nature  or  ne- 
cessities of  society,  designed  for  the  benefit  of  all, 
especially  of  the  governed ; and  is,  therefore  to 
be  administered  according  to  the  calm  dictates 
of  enlightened  reason,  and  is  not  to  be  a mere 
matter  of  caprice  or  despotism.  Overlooking 
these  facts,  I say,  parents  do  sometimes  require 
implicit  submission,  not  only  without  reason,  but 
manifestly  against  it.  Obedience  is  demanded 
as  if  merely  for  the  pleasure  of  exercising  autho- 
rity; and  it  is  very  much  to  be  feared,  that 
there  are  other  cases  in  which  parents  experi- 
ment upon  the  temperament  of  their  children,  by 
compelling  submission  to  their  will,  when  even 
the  propriety  of  the  act  is  questionable  ; if,  in- 
deed, it  be  even  lawful. 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


81 


Children  to  be  treated  with  tenderness  and  affection. 

Let  no  one  suppose  that  we  design,  in  this  dis- 
course, to  question  or  unsettle  the  authority  of 
parents.  No;  it  is  our  design  to  secure  the  more 
efficient  exercise  of  that  authority,  on  Scriptural 
principles,  and  in  such  a manner  as  will  main- 
tain the  honor  of  the  parents,  while  it  shall  sub- 
serve the  best  interests  of  the  children.  Let  it, 
then,  be  distinctly  understood,  that  whatever 
may  be  the  extent  and  nature  of  that  authority 
with  which  parents  are  invested,  they  are  by  no 
means  irresponsible.  Like  every  other  wisely- 
appointed  government,  the  domestic  economy  is 
subject  to  law,  and  every  one  intrusted  with  its 
administration,  is  required  to  conform  to  the  re- 
vealed will  of  God,  as  the  constitution  under 
which  it  is  instituted,  or  abide  the  consequen- 
ces of  the  divine  displeasure. 

And,  therefore,  although  it  may  not  be  expe- 
dient for  parents,  at  all  times,  to  treat  their  chil- 
dren literally  as  equals,  it  certainly  is  highly 
improper  and  reprehensible  to  treat  them  at  any 
time  as  slaves.  Let  them,  at  least,  be  regarded 
as  friends,  yea,  even  more  than  friends;  let  them 
be  treated  as  what  they  truly  are,  a subordinate, 
but  an  important  part  of  their  parents.  Let 
their  confidence  be  reciprocated,  and  thus  make 
them  respectable  in  their  own  eyes,  and  in  those 
of  other  persons,  by  respecting  them  yourselves. 


82 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  violation  of  this  principle. 

Children  ought  never  to  receive  the  impression 
that  their  interests  are  separate  from,  and  at  vari- 
ance with  those  of  their  parents,  and  hence, 
when  they  are  of  sufficient  age  and  experience, 
it  may  be  wise  to  allow  them  at  least  a hearing 
on  any  great  and  important  transaction,  involv- 
ing the  interest  of  the  family.  Thus  they  will 
be  taught  to  regard  their  interests,  as  identified 
with  that  of  their  parents;  and  to  obey  your 
commands  will  be  their  highest  ambition,  be- 
cause it  will  be  their  interests. 

But  how  often  is  this  manifest  dictate  of  rea- 
son and  true  regard  to  family  peace  and  confi- 
dence, sacrificed  by  an  inconsiderate,  though 
well  meaning  parent,  to  a cold,  suspicious  and 
repulsive  love  of  power,  in  itself  absurd,  and  in 
its  consequences,  pernicious.  Every  thing  in 
the  domestic  government,  is  managed  with  a 
dark  and  frowning  severity.  The  father  goes 
in  and  out  before  his  children,  surrounded  with 
an  air,  cold  as  death,  and  scarcely  less  repulsive; 
and  thus,  as  a natural  consequence,  although 
unintentional,  he  cramps  the  intellect,  alienates 
the  affections,  hardens  the  heart,  and  destroys 
the  enterprise  of  his  child,  who  only  views  him- 
self as  a prisoner  at  large,  and  looks  forward  to 
the  period  of  his  separation  from  home  as  to 
the  termination  of  a painful  captivity,  a year  of 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


83 


Its  effects. 

jubilee;  home,  in  his  mind,  is  always  associated 
with  ideas  of  severity,  indifference  or  suspicious 
treatment;  and  is,  therefore,  cheerfully  relin- 
quished under  the  slenderest  pretence,  or  the 
feeblest  hope  of  improvement,  because  it  is  the 
only  place  on  earth,  where  being  known,  he  is 
not  trusted. 

We  do  not  say,  nor  would  we  even  insinuate, 
that  all  children,  who  unnaturally  leave  their 
homes,  exchanging  the  peaceful  and  harmless 
scenes  of  the  fireside  for  the  dangers  of  the 
ocean,  or  the  bloody  honors  of  a military  life, 
are  driven  by  parental  severity,  to  adopt,  in 
despair,  these  courses  of  life;  no,  by  no  means. 
Many  thus  abandon  themselves  to  every  peril 
of  morals,  mind  and  life,  in  the  pride  and  per- 
verseness of  their  nature,  and  in  open  opposition 
to  the  remonstrances,  entreaties  and  tears  of  their 
parents,  who  have  done  all  in  their  power  to 
invest  home  with  the  strongest  possible  attrac- 
tions, and  yet  have  done  all  in  vain.  But  this 
does  by  no  means  justify  the  policy  of  those 
parents,  who,  by  an  unnatural  and  unnecessary 
austerity,  throw  off  their  children  from  them, 
and  then,  through  a cruel  pride  and  want  of 
sympathy,  widen  the  distance  between  them- 
selves and  their  own  offspring,  until  the  gulf 
becomes  impassable.  “ Fathers  provoke  not 


S4 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Incautious  marriages  a provocation. 

your  children  to  wrath  lest  they  be  discou- 
raged.” Col.  iii.  21. 

2.  Another  modification  of  this  evil  is  in  the 
formation  of  rash  and  unkind  associations,  by 
which  the  internal  structure  of  the  family  is 
perfectly  changed.  That  a man  is  at  liberty  to 
do  as  inclination  may  prompt  him,  in  organising 
his  family,  or  administering  the  domestic  govern- 
ment, although  viewed  as  a self  evident  truth, 
is  a position  that  we  suppose,  no  one  can  main- 
tain. The  text  intimates,  that  there  are  limits  to 
a father’s  authority;  he  is  not  to  provoke  his 
children  to  wrath;  he  is  to  bring  them  up  in  the 
nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  And,  of 
course,  he  is  not  to  originate  difficulties  which 
will  render  the  performance  of  these  duties  im- 
practicable. 

If  it  would  be  wicked  or  reprehensible  in  a 
parent  to  bring  into  his  family,  as  permanent 
members  thereof,  persons  whose  minds,  morals 
and  general  habits  of  life,  would  be  an  injury 
or  an  affliction  to  his  children,  as  briers  in  their 
sides,  and  as  thorns  in  their  eyes,  tending  to 
abridge  their  privileges  and  alienate  his  affec- 
tions from  them,  and  thus  to  deprive  them  of  his 
protection,  what  shall  we  say  of  those  matrimo- 
nial alliances,  formed  between  persons  from  the 
opposite  extremes  of  life,  as  well  as  of  mind 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


S5 


Incautious  marriages. 

and  fortune.  Marriages,  by  which  a person 
comparatively  young,  is  brought  into  a family, 
to  sustain  the  relation,  and  exercise  the  autho- 
rity of  a parent,  over  children,  at  least  his  or 
her  equals,  if  not  superiors,  in  every  respect; 
in  age,  information,  manners  and  mind;  and 
who  have  anticipated  the  event,  as  an  affliction, 
and  have  protested  against  it,  as  unreasonable, 
unnatural,  oppressive  and  unjust. 

It  is  deeply  to  be  regretted,  and  humiliating 
to  refer  to  the  fact,  that  connections  of  the  kind 
here  referred  to,  are  but  very  seldom  discreet; 
but  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  often  the  case  that 
the  wishes,  interests  and  feelings  of,  perhaps,  a 
numerous  family,  are  sacrificed  to  the  blinded 
passions  of  an  inconsiderate  parent,  who  rushes 
on  the  attainment  of  his  prize,  in  perfect  forget- 
fulness of  consequences.  For  most  unfortu- 
nately, as  a general  rule,  this  class  of  marriages 
is  entered  into  with  a manifest  want  of  thought 
and  impetuosity  of  feeling,  scarcely  excusable 
even  in  the  vigor  of  life. 

We  speak  not  of  the  abstract  question  of  mar- 
riages between  old  and  young  persons,  men  of 
fifty,  and  girls  of  fifteen;  the  buoyancy  of  youth 
smiles  at  the  association  as  ludicrous;  conside- 
rate age  abhors  it  as  unnatural,  and  piety  de- 
S 


86 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Consequences. 

nounces  it  as  sacrilegious;  but  we  confine  our 
views  to  the  question  simply  as  it  stands  related 
to  this  subject,  and  becomes  a provocation  of 
children;  and  this  we  imagine  is  more  frequently 
the  case  than  otherwise. 

In  how  many  instances  such  a course  has  been 
attended  with  the  most  unhappy  results,  eternity 
alone  can  tell.  On  the  one  hand,  disappoint- 
ment and  disgust,  and  on  the  other  a sickening 
mortification  of  feeling  have  ensued.  The  fruit- 
ful field  has  become  a scene  of  desolation.  The 
evergreen  of  parental  fondness  and  filial  affec- 
tion, has  been  displaced,  and  brambles  and 
briers  of  most  poisonous  thorn,  have  shot  up  lux- 
uriantly in  all  the  haughty  pride  of  an  unnatural 
usurpation,  where  once  grew  the  lily  and  the 
rose  of  domestic  innocence  and  love.  The  voice 
of  the  turtle  has  died  away,  and  the  piercing 
shriek  of  the  midnight  owl,  now  fills  with  horror 
and  alarm,  that  home  once  the  abode  of  peace 
and  rejoicing.  The  sympathies  of  parents  have 
been  diverted  from  their  natural  channels,  and 
children  alienated  in  heart  from  those  who  gave 
them  birth,  have  dropped  like  fruit  prematurely 
ripe,  from  the  parent  stock.  Strangers  have  been 
called  in  to  meddle  with  strife  not  their  own, 
family  confidence  has  been  sacrificed,  and  the 
secrecies  of  the  fireside  have  been  given  to  the 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


87 


Another  method  of  provocation. 

winds  of  heaven.  And  thus  a house  has  been 
divided  against  itself,  and  has  come  to  irrepara- 
ble desolation. 

Is  this  a mere  sketch  of  imagination,  an  idle 
dream,  having  no  existence  whatever  in  fact  ? 
Would  to  heaven  it  were ; but  it  is  a solemn  and 
humiliating  truth,  recorded  on  the  tablet  of  many 
a bleeding  heart.  0 what  numbers  have  sought 
the  darkest  solitude,  and  even  courted  the  silence 
of  the  grave,  as  a refuge  from  the  soul  wither- 
ing sorrow  of  such  painful  recollections. 

3.  As  another  method  of  provocation,  we 
mention  cruel  or  unnatural  punishment.  We 
have  now  more  particularly  reference  to  those 
forms  of  punishment  that  are  prospective  in 
their  bearing,  and  unalterable  in  their  results. 

That  it  is  not  only  allowable,  but  also  strictly 
necessary,  that  parents  should  correct  their  chil- 
dren, in  given  cases,  will  be  disputed  by  none 
who  regard  either  the  authority  or  examples  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures;  “ For  foolishness  is  bound 
up  in  the  heart  of  a child,  but  the  rod  of  correc- 
tion will  drive  it  far  from  him.”  Prov.  xxii.  15. 
It  is  manifestly,  therefore,  not  less  a dictate  of 
reason  and  of  affection,  than  a precept  of  reli- 
gion, to  enforce  authority  even  with  stripes, 
u Chasten  thy  son  while  there  is  hope,  and  let 
not  thy  soul  spare  for  his  crying.”  Prov.  xiv.  18. 


88 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Arbitrary  distinctions. 

But  then  they  are  never  to  substitute  a sceptre 
of  iron  for  the  rod  of  parental  chastisement. 

If  a judge,  who  inflicts  the  penalties  of  the 
law,  merely  to  vent  his  personal  ire,  or  to  avenge 
personal  wrongs,  is  justly  held  in  abhorrence  by 
every  good  and  honest  man;  is  not  that  parent 
highly  reprehensible  who  pours  his  boiling 
wrath  upon  his  child  in  abusive  speech  and  cruel 
blows,  and  endeavors  to  extenuate  or  justify 
his  conduct,  under  the  plea  of  an  unusual  ex- 
citement of  passion.  Surely  with  such  an  ex- 
ample, a child  can  scarcely  be  otherwise  than 
vicious.  And  most  certainly,  parents  ought  to 
remember,  that  with  such  an  accumulation  of 
poison  in  the  fountain,  evil  must  be  expected 
in  the  stream.  “ Doth  a fountain  send  forth  at 
the  same  place,  sweet  water  and  bitter;  can  the 
fig  tree,  my  brethren,  bear  olive  berries,  either  a 
vine  figs?”  James  iii,  11, 12.  But  to  place  this 
view  of  the  subject  in  its  proper  light,  we  re- 
mark that  a parent’s  displeasure  is  manifested  i p 
some  instances, 

1.  By  creating  an  unnatural  and  arbitrary 
distinction  between  his  children;  in  which  one 
is,  without  any  sufficient  reason,  made  subordi- 
nate to  another,  and  thus  one  is  elevated  and 
another  depressed.  One  is  treated  as  a person  of 
distinction,  the  other  as  a mere  drudge ; the  one 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


89 


Absurd  method  of  education. 

is  caressed,  the  other  held  off  and  neglected;  the 
one  is  denominated,  “ my  dear  son,”  the  other, 
“that  boy,  that  dull  fellow;”  the  first  is  clad  in 
a princely  coat  of  many  colors,  the  other  is  a 
keeper  of  the  herds.  All  of  which  tends  to  break 
the  spirit  of  the  neglected,  and  to  inflate  with 
pride,  the  mind  of  the  pampered  child,  and  to 
lay  deep  and  broad  the  foundations  of  dark  or 
cruel  envy  and  jealousy,  if  not  of  incurable  strife. 
Of  the  truth  of  this  sentiment,  we  have  a most 
thrilling  illustration  in  the  histories  of  Jacob  and 
Esau.  (See  Gen.  xxvii.)  And  of  Joseph  and 
his  brethren.  (See  Gen.  xxxviii.)  These  his- 
tories read  a lesson  of  most  startling  import  to  all 
parents  on  this  abuse  of  their  authority,  but 
2.  In  other  cases,  a father’s  displeasure  is 
made  known  by  withholding  the  means  of  edu- 
cation and  improvement ; or  by  what  is  nearly 
the  same  thing,  crossing  the  natural  inclination 
of  the  child,  and  by  forcing  the  whole  current  of 
his  thoughts,  and  the  full  tide  of  his  feelings  to 
ebb  and  flow  in  a channel  for  which  nature  never 
designed  them.  The  child  is  held  down  to  a 
course  of  life,  a description  of  study  or  of  busi- 
ness, for  which  he  is  not  only  without  natural 
inclination  or  fitness,  but  for  which  he  actually 
possesses  strong  constitutional  antipathies ; and 
yet  to  complete  the  provocation,  improvement  is 
8* 


90 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  principle  here  laid  down,  reasonable. 

demanded  under  pain  of  parental  displeasure. 
And  thus  it  frequently  happens  that  parents,  in- 
stead of  inquiring  into  the  natural  capabilities  of 
their  children,  and  regulating  their  demands  ac- 
cordingly, institute  the  same  modes  of  instruc- 
tion, and  impose  the  same  forms  of  discipline  on 
all,  however  numerous  the  family.  No  regard 
is  had  to  the  natural  variety  in  the  original  cha- 
racter of  their  minds,  their  modes*of  thought,  and 
habits  of  feeling;  circumstances  never  to  be  over- 
looked in  training  up  our  children  for  the  active 
scenes,  and  increasing  responsibilities  of  life. 

The  principle  here  laid  down  is  one  that  is 
almost  universally  acted  upon  in  other  affairs  of 
infinitely  less  importance.  Men  do  not  apply 
the  same  process  of  cultivation  to  soils,  essen- 
tially different,  and  much  less  do  they  expect 
from  them  the  same  description  of  produce. 
And  why  then,  should  they  attempt  to  force  the 
human  mind  against  the  law  of  its  own  nature, 
and  especially  as  it  is  well  understood  to  be  a 
principle  contrary  to  all  analogy,  and  manifestly 
at  variance  with  the  acknowledged  appoint- 
ments of  heaven?  With  as  much  reason  might 
we  expect  the  feathered  tribes  of  the  air  to  per- 
form the  labor  of  beasts  of  burden,  or  the  quad- 
ruped tenants  of  the  field  to  fly  at  large  in  the 
expanse  of  heaven,  as  our  children  to  make 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


91 


The  worst  form  of  parental  severity. 

proficiency  in  those  things,  for  which  nature  never 
designed  them,  and  for  which  they  have  not  the 
requisite  capacity.  It  is,  therefore,  a heavy 
provocation  to  impose  on  them  such  a course  of 
life,  and  especially  to  enforce  it  by  harsh  and 
penal  considerations. 

3.  Another  form  of  parental  severity,  and  still 
more  reprehensible  because  apparently  more 
vindictive,  is  that  by  which  a father  (as  far  as 
in  him  lies)  dooms  his  child  to  penury  and 
want , for,  perhaps,  a trivial  offence  ; or  one  in 
which,  peradventure,  he  has  followed  his  paren- 
tal guides.  The  name  of  the  offender  is  stricken 
from  the  family  records.  He  is  not  recognised 
in  the  will ; he  is  overlooked  in  the  distribution 
of  the  estate,  and  thus  the  mark  of  a father’s 
curse  is  set  upon  him,  and  the  child  is  sent  out 
from  the  presence  of  his  parent,  like  Cain,  to  be 
a fugitive  in  all  the  earth. 

Most  certainly  this  is,  of  all  parental  punish- 
ment, the  most  unwarrantable.  Some  may  ask, 
“has  not  a man  to  do  as  he  will,  with  his  own 
property?”  I answer,  that  no  man  has  an  abso- 
lute right  to  any  thing  in  his  possession.  He  is 
but  a steward  of  the  manifold  mercies  of  God; 
and  in  the  order  of  heaven  holds  his  property  for 
the  benefit  of  others, his  own  family  first  of  all; 
and  further,  it  is  required  of  a steward  that  a 


92 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  worst  form  of  parental  severity. 

man  be  found  faithful.  But  can  any  man,  after 
having  been  instrumental  in  bringing  children 
into  this  world  of  sickness,  labor,  and  sorrow, 
leave  them,  intentionally,  without  the  help  that 
they  need,  and  that  he  has  it  in  his  power  to 
afford  them,  and  still  be  accounted  faithful? 
Most  certainly  not.  Has  he  a right  to  bestow 
his  substance  on  others,  and  leave  them  naked, 
destitute,  and  friendless;  the  more  so  because 
unbefriended  by  him  ? Where  is  his  right  ? In 
what  section  of  the  divine  law  ? On  what  page 
of  the  sacred  volume?  In  what  example  of  the 
saints  of  God,  precept  of  religion,  instinct  of 
nature,  or  amiable  affection  of  the  human  heart? 
Is  it  not,  then,  I ask,  as  in  the  presence  of  the 
final  judge  of  all  men,  is  it  not  an  assumed 
right,  arbitrarily  exercised  to  gratify  a vindictive 
passion  ? 

Parents  ought  to  remember,  that  no  person  has 
any  assurance  either  in  religion,  nature,  or  obser- 
vation, when  he  enters  the  sacred  relation  of  a 
married  life  ; that  in  the  event  he  should  become 
a father,  his  children  will  be  all  according  to 
some  pleasing  dream  he  may  have  entertained 
of  domestic  order  and  filial  devotion.  He  ought 
rather  to  consider  that  his  children  appear  on 
this  stage  of  action,  with  a nature  morally  dis- 
eased, and  biassed  to  evil,  and,  like  all  others, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE, 


93 


A special  consideration  for  parents. 

liable  to  be  involved  in  ruin.  And  that  God  re- 
quires it  at  his  hand,  to  do  all  in  his  power  to 
counteract  the  native  inclination  of  his  children 
to  vice,  and  to  train  them  up  for  virtue  and 
heaven.  And  let  that  parent  also  bear  in  mind, 
that  under  God,  those  children  received  their 
existence  from  him.  Their  original  disposition, 
their  early  impressions,  their  want  of  education, 
and  all  the  elements  of  their  intellectual  and 
moral  character  from  him.  And  if  these  are  not 
as  nicely  adjusted,  and  as  evenly  balanced  as  he 
could  wish,  it  is  not  more  the  misfortune  of  the 
parent,  than  it  is  of  the  child.  Let  him,  there- 
fore, be  long  suffering  and  gracious ; let  him 
cure  what  he  can,  pardon  what  he  may,  and 
pity  what  he  cannot  cure;  if  not  before,  yet  on 
the  bed  of  death,  let  him  show  mercy  to  his 
child,  and  not  expend  his  latest  energies  in  anger 
on  his  own  offspring;  or  will  that  father  rather, 
while  his  own  soul  is  entering  tremblingly  into 
the  eternal  world,  looking  up  to  heaven  and  sup- 
plicating God  for  mercy  in  the  pardon  of  his  own 
sins,  still  refuse  the  exercise  of  compassion  to  his 
own  son  or  daughter.  With  one  hand  extended 
to  God  imploring  help  and  salvation,  will  he 
with  the  other  strike  with  undying  pain,  his 
erring  child,  after  having  cast  him  off  in  life, 
while  he  still  exerts  his  dying  strength  to  blast 


94 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Step-fathers  and  guardians. 

him  from  the  tomb  ? Can  any  one  hope  that  the 
judge  of  all  will  say  in  view  of  such  a transac- 
tion, “ well  done  thou  good  and  faithful  servant, 
thou  hast  been  merciful,  thou  shalt  have  mercy, 
enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord.”  Will  he 
not  rather  say,  “ whose  blood  is  that  upon  thy 
hands,  and  where  are  the  souls  entrusted  to  thy 
care  ?” 

“ Fathers  provoke  not  your  children  to  wrath.” 
Consider  their  ignorance,  the  acknowledged  per- 
verseness of  human  nature,  the  possibility  that 
you  do  not  understand  the  reasons  of  their  con- 
duct, and  the  still  more  humiliating  probability 
that  you  are  unintentionally  the  cause  of  their 
error.  Provoke  them  not;  bear  in  mind  that 
they  also  are  rational  and  immortal  beings,  and 
that  they  have  a temperament  of  their  own, 
and  that  they  can  no  more  be  made  to  think  in 
every  thing  like  yourselves,  than  they  can  be  in- 
vested with  your  powers  of  thought  and  feeling. 

Such  is  the  voice  of  God  to  fathers,  and  as  a 
matter  of  course  to  all  who  sustain  the  relation 
of  head  to  the  family  circle,  whether  denomi- 
nated father,  step-father  or  guardian.  We  men- 
tion step-father  and  guardian  together,  because 
that  they  not  unfrequently  meet  in  the  same 
person,  and  often  meet  honorably;  but  there  are 
other  instances  in  which  the  one  is  only  made 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


95 


Step-fathers  and  guardians. 

the  medium  of  approach  to  the  other;  and  the 
man  marries  the  mother,  that  he  may  plunder 
the  child.  If  not,  why  does  he  immediately 
begin  to  squander  their  property,  nor  desist  until 
it  is  exhausted.  0 refinement  in  cruelty ! the 
lion  defends  the  inmates  of  his  own  lair,  but 
this  monster  drives  from  the  fire-side  of  their 
own  father,  the  playgrounds  of  their  youth,  and 
all  the  tender  associations  of  childhood,  the  chil- 
dren of  his  own  wife;  and  did  he  not  know  that 
these  children  were  a part  of  his  wife,  that  she 
gave  them  birth,  watched  their  infant  slumbers, 
and  with  all  the  untold  fondness  of  a mother’s 
soul,  smiled  whenever  they  smiled,  or  mingled  her 
tears  with  theirs?  And  does  he  not  know  that 
even  now  her  watchful  spirit  lingers  along  their 
path,  numbering  their  sorrows,  and  detesting 
their  persecutor?  For  in  the  nature  of  things, 
no  genuine  mother  can  love  the  oppressor  of 
her  child. 

Whatever,  therefore,  may  be  the  particular 
form  of  the  relation,  father,  step-father  or  guar- 
dian, the  obligation  is  a plain  one;  and  nature 
and  religion  require  that  it  should  be  most  scru- 
pulously complied  with;  nor  can  any  man  hope 
to  live  in  honor  or  die  in  peace,  who  is  guilty  of 
its  violation.  With  these  remarks  on  the  prohi- 
bition, we  turn  to  consider 


96 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  injunction.  Children  to  be  brought  up. 

II.  The  injunction,  “ But  bring  them  up  in 
the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.” 

1.  Bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  of  the 
Lord.  They  are  to  be  brought  up,  they  are 
not  to  be  left  to  grow  lip  wild  like  the  vine  that 
wastes  its  strength  in  idle  wanderings,  amidst 
the  underwood  of  its  native  thicket.  They  are 
to  be  brought  up  as  plants  of  immortal  value, 
which,  with  proper  cultivation,  will  become 
trees  of  righteousness,  and  ultimately  pillars  in 
the  temple  of  God.  Let  them  be  brought  up 
not  as  mere  things  of  family  pride  or  parlor 
decorations,  but  as  rational  and  immortal  beings 
who  are  now  forming  their  destiny  for  everlast- 
ing pleasure  or  pain. 

They  must  be  brought  up  in  the  nurture  of 
the  Lord;  that  is,  in  the  discipline  of  the 
Lord:  they  are  to  be  placed  under  rule,  and 
to  be  made  subject  to  the  restraints  of  reason 
and  religion.  The  word  of  God  is  most  clearly 
a system  of  intellectual  as  well  as  moral  re- 
straint. It  not  only  interdicts  all  communion 
with  whatever  is  positively  wrong,  but  also 
with  every  thing  that  is  of  even  doubtful  cha- 
racter. 

The  disciplinary  regulations  of  the  New  Tes- 
tament are  with  special  reference  to  the  interests 
of  morality  and  religion.  For  man  was  not 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


97 


Nurture  of  the  Lord. 

only  made  for  thought,  hut  for  thoughts  on 
heaven,  eternity  and  God.  The  discipline  of  the 
Lord  is  to  direct  his  mind  to  the  contemplation 
of  these  sacred  and  hallowing  subjects,  and  to 
sustain  him  under  their  overpowering  realisa- 
tion. Taken  up  as  we  too  generally  are  with 
the  things  of  this  life,  we  view,  as  a matter  of 
vast  moment,  the  means  by  which  a fortune 
may  be  amassed,  a city  regulated  or  a nation 
governed.  But  God  has  made  man  for  holier 
and  more  exalted  pursuits  than  these ; pursuits 
that  grasp  the  interests  of  both  worlds,  securing 
all  that  is  really  good,  in  time  or  grand  in  eter- 
nity; and  hence  he  has  placed  him  in  the  midst 
of  means  the  most  ample,  and  motives  the 
most  stirring,  to  turn  the  unbroken  energies  of 
his  soul,  to  such  a course  of  thought  and  action, 
as  will  ensure  rectitude  of  conduct  in  this  life, 
and  endless  blessedness  in  that  to  come.  And 
these  means  and  motives  belong  essentially  to 
the  nurture  or  discipline  of  the  Lord. 

But  if  we  would  secure  to  our  children  all  the 
advantages  of  gospel  discipline,  examples,  and 
instruction,  we  must  place  them  under  reason- 
able restraints;  and  as  on  the  one  hand  we  are  to 
avoid  a criminal  harshness,  so  on  the  other,  we 
are  not  to  indulge  in  a doting  fondness,  perhaps 
equally  pernicious.  The  proper  landmarks  be- 
9 


98 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Children  to  be  restrained  in  their  amusements. 

tween  childhood  and  mature  age,  are  not  to  be 
removed,  and  much  less  can  the  natural  distinc- 
tion between  parent  and  child  in  the  family 
circle,  be  broken  down,  without  shaking  the  very 
foundations  of  civil  order,  and  throwing  society 
into  confusion. 

Children  are  to  he  restrained  in  their  amuse- 
ments. Most  of  the  more  fashionable  resorts, 
and  great  centres  of  pleasure,  are  little,  if  any 
better  than  whirlpools  of  vice  and  corruption ; 
the  mere  charnel  house  of  virtue  and  principle. 
What  is  the  moral  character  of  our  Sabbath  day 
excursions,  now  so  much  in  vogue  ? What  the 
moral  effect  of  those  various  exhibitions  of  hu- 
man daring,  so  incessantly  lauded  in  the  public 
prints,  and  more  immediately  adapted  to  impress 
the  juvenile  classes  of  society?  Is  it  too  much 
to  say  of  all  these,  that  so  far  as  virtue  and  re- 
ligion are  concerned,  the  effect  is  evil,  “only 
evil,  and  that  continually.”  And  yet,  alas ! how 
many  parents  professing  the  religion  of  Christ, 
extend  to  these  forms  of  vice,  a regular  and 
almost  systematic  patronage.  They  would 
tremble  to  see  their  children  sporting  on  a preci- 
pice, or  engaged  in  mirthful  pastime  on  a den  of 
serpents ; and  yet  they  encourage  them  to  frolic 
on  eternity’s  dread  brink,  unapprehensive ; and 
even  afford  them  the  means  of  amusements  in- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


99 


Restrained  in  their  reading. 

finitely  hazardous ; such  as  of  necessity  pollute 
the  imagination,  inflame  the  passions,  and 
weaken  the  force  of  moral  obligations.  The  pa- 
rents, it  may  be,  are  regularly  at  their  place  in 
the  house  of  God,  but  where  are  the  children  ? 
Perchance  sitting  in  the  seat  of  the  scorner,  clap- 
ping in  the  theatre,  or  engaged  in  scenes  of  rev- 
elry, banqueting  and  abominable  licentiousness. 
And  who  affords^  the  means,  who  provides  the 
outfits  for  these  daring  and  dissolute  freaks  of 
youthful  madness  ? Let  such  parents  as  feel  the 
point  of  these  interrogatories,  answer  them  to 
God  and  their  own  consciences.  Before  we  dis- 
miss this  thought,  however  painful,  we  may  refer 
to  the  fact,  that  these  remarks  are,  unfortunately, 
only  too  appropriate  to  even  some  ministers  of 
the  Gospel,  who  exercise  no  more  restraint  over 
their  children  than  if  it  were  not  a part  of  scrip- 
tural discipline.  Let  them  call  to  mind  that  it 
was  the  sin  of  Eli  that  he  did  not  restrain  the 
young  men.  (See  1 Sam.  iii,  13.) 

Again:  Children  are  to  he  restrained  in  their 
reading . A bad  book  is  scarcely  less  to  be 
avoided  than  a bad  man,  for  vice  is  not  only 
communicative  by  personal  intercourse  with  the 
wicked,  but  the  moral  infection  is  also  received 
by  occasional  intercourse  with  their  principles, 
just  as  the  leprosy  was  as  really  contagious  in 


100 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Restraint  in  their  reading. 

the  apparel  as  in  the  person  of  the  diseased. 
And  let  it  also  be  remembered,  that  it  is  not 
only  those  works  confessedly  irreligious  and 
vicious  in  their  tendency,  that  are  to  be  avoided; 
those  high  wrought  and  overcharged  descrip- 
tions of  men  and  things  contained  in  most  works 
of  fiction,  to  say  nothing  of  their  ultimate  ten- 
dency in  most  instances  to  an  immoral  effect,  is 
reason  of  sufficient  force,  why  every  parent  who 
values  the  intellectual  and  moral  health  of  his 
children,  should  exclude  these  things  from  his 
family  circle. 

But  is  this  the  policy  actually  adopted  by  all 
or  even  the  greater  number  of  professing  pa- 
rents? What  is  the  more  prominent  volume  on 
the  centre  table  ? Is  it  not  some  splendid  An- 
nual, Souvenir,  or  Token,  in  most  instances, 
with  just  enough  of  religious  verse  and  prose  to 
make  it  not  positively  bad,  or  at  best  but  reli- 
giously inclined.  A thing  of  mere  nominal 
worth,  but  of  actual  disservice  to  the  cause  of 
truth.  Instead  of  these,  let  parents  place  before 
their  children  books  of  intrinsic  value,  such  as 
afford  a clear  and  scriptural  view  of  the  duties 
and  privileges  of  a religious  life,  and  maintain- 
ing in  all  their  native  vigor,  the  distinctive  fea- 
tures of  the  parent’s  creed.  Such,  at  least,  is  the 
course  most  natural  to  those  parents  who  have 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


101 


Restrained  in  their  society. 

experimental  proof  of  the  verity  of  those  things 
which  they  believe.  The  affected  liberality  of 
those  Christian  parents,  who  refuse  to  prepossess 
the  minds  of  their  children  in  behalf  of  their 
own  religious  opinions,  arises,  it  is  to  be  feared, 
in  most  instances,  more  from  the  want  of  any 
well-digested  views  on  this  question,  or  proper 
sense  of  its  importance,  than  from  an  unusual 
elevation  of  mind  or  extent  of  charity. 

Children  are  to  be  restrained  in  their  society; 
and  if  we  are  careful  to  guard  the  two  points 
already  mentioned,  we  shall  find  but  little  diffi- 
culty in  securing  this  also.  Our  reading  and  our 
recreation,  mostly  determine  our  society.  The 
one  affords  materials  of  thought,  the  other,  the 
outlets  of  feeling;  and  hence  we  may  be  morally 
certain,  that  if  we  accustom  our  children  to  form 
such  habits,  as  blend  useful  instruction  with  in- 
nocent amusement,  enlightening  the  understand- 
ing and  improving  their  moral  sense  while 
opportunity  is  given  to  develope  their  powers  of 
invention,  they  will  form  such  connections  and 
associations  in  life  as  will  be  honorable  to  them, 
and  gratifying  to  ourselves;  but  if  we  allow,  and 
much  more  if  we  encourage,  them  to  follow 
those  false  lights — fictitious  writers, 

“ That  lead  to  bewilder  and  dazzle  to  blind,” 

they  will  find  a corresponding  level  and  of 
9* 


102 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


A special  restraint. 

course  will  take  but  little  interest  in  any  thing, 
however  true,  solemn  or  holy,  that  is  not  pre- 
sented to  them  in  all  the  gaudy  drapery  of  the 
most  exuberant  imagination.  If  they  are  pleased, 
the  minister  of  Christ  must  appear  in  the  temple 
of  God  with  the  airs  and  action  of  some  child  of 
fashion.  They  will  listen  to  the  ministers  of  the 
gospel,  not  as  ambassadors  of  Christ,  who  show 
unto  men  the  way  of  salvation,  but  merely  as 
oratorical  declaimers,  and  will  judge  of  their 
worth  not  by  the  importance  of  the  truths  they 
inculcate,  or  their  personal  piety  or  zeal  for  God, 
but  by 

The  well  turn’d  period  and  the  well  tun’d  voice, 

With  all  the  lesser  ornaments  of  phrase. 

Their  society  will  correspond  with  their  senti- 
ments; evil  communications  will  corrupt  what 
may  still  remain  of  good  manners,  and  we  shall 
have  the  deep  and  unutterable  affliction  to 
witness  our  fondest  hopes  a miserable  desola- 
tion. 

Here  it  may  be  important  also  to  remark  that 
children  are  not  to  be  initiated  into  those  un- 
happy jars  and  collisions,  which  one  family  may 
have  with  another  in  the  transaction  of  business 
or  in  the  affairs  of  the  church.  These  are 
topics  that  they  are  not  prepared  to  appreciate, 
nor  have  they  any  right  to  know  them.  We 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


103 


Parental  indiscretion. 

should  not  arraign  and  scrutinise  the  character 
and  official  acts  of  public  men  in  the  presence  of 
our  children,  unless  in  very  special  cases.  Nor 
is  it  wisdom  to  make  them  acquainted  even 
with  all  our  own  difficulties,  before  they  are 
prepared  by  age  and  experience  to  render 
efficient  aid  either  in  removing  or  sustaining 
them. 

But  we,  says  an  inconsiderate  father,  keep  no 
secrets  in  our  family,  and  proceeds  forthwith  to 
detail  in  the  hearing  of  his  children,  the  rumors 
of  the  neighborhood,  the  difficulties  of  the 
church,  suspicions  of  private  character  or  of 
official  conduct,  whether  founded  in  justice  or 
gotten  up  by  malignity.  What  one  has  sur- 
mised, and  another  has  reported,  is  related  in  the 
family  circle  as  probable  and  is  received  by  the 
children,  as  undoubtedly  true.  In  some  cases 
the  general  character  of  the  church,  the  particu- 
lar standing  of  individuals,  the  qualifications  of 
church  officers,  and  not  unfrequently  the  talents, 
piety  and  usefulness  of  Christian  ministers  pass 
in  review  before  these  fireside  tribunals.  In- 
vidious comparisons  are  instituted,  ungenerous 
insinuations  are  indulged  in,  unkind,  if  not  un- 
merciful decisions  are  pronounced  on  some,  and 
inflated  and  high  wrought  encomiums  are  be- 
stowed on  others,  with  little  or  no  regard  to 


104 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Its  natural  results. 

truth  or  righteousness  or  any  thing  but  their 
own  blinded  partialities,  and  in  all  this  the  chil- 
dren are  allowed  to  be  prominent  actors,  under 
the  cover  of  parental  example  and  authority. 

Does  any  one  inquire  what  are  the  results  of 
such  indiscretion?  I answer,  precisely  what 
might  have  been  anticipated.  The  children  are 
led  to  regard  the  ministers  of  Christ,  and  even 
the  church  of  God  which  he  purchased  with  his 
blood,  as  subjects,  at  best  of  but  secondary  im- 
portance and  as  having  very  slender  claims  on 
either  their  veneration  or  obedience.  Their 
minds  have  been  warped  from  the  truth  and 
they  have  turned  skeptic,  secretly  questioning 
the  piety  of  their  parents;  and,  openly  denounc- 
ing as  hypocrisy  the  religious  profession  of 
others,  they  have  turned  their  backs  upon  the 
church  of  Christ  as  a system  of  fraud  and  impo- 
sition, and  have  scorned  the  ministers  of  the 
Lord  Jesus,  as  the  interested  agents  of  the  insti- 
tution. This  we  suppose  to  be  one  of  the  chief 
reasons,  why  in  so  many  instances  the  children 
of  religious  parents  are  seen  standing  in  the 
way  of  sinners,  if  not  sitting  in  the  seat  of  the 
scorner.  We  should  therefore  bring  up  our 
children  in  the  nurture  or  discipline  of  the  Lord; 
Let  them  be  subject  to  the  restraints  of  reason 
and  religion. 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE* 


105 


Tendency  of  discipline. 

These  restraints  are,  in  every  way,1  congenial 
with  our  nature ; they  do  no  violence  to  the 
powers  of  genius,  nor  cramp  the  energies  of  in- 
vention ; they  do  not  overburden  the  memory 
nor  disable  the  moral  sense  ; they  rather  assign 
to  every  power  in  the  human  constitution  its  ap- 
propriate division  of  labor,  and  sustain  them  in 
the  exercise  of  their  natural  functions.  They 
call  off  the  mind  from  all  that  is  merely  earthly 
and  sensual,  and  raise  it  to  the  most  pure  and 
elevated  themes  of  contemplation.  They  purify 
the  fountains  of  thought  and  feeling,  and  in- 
crease the  means  and  strengthen  the  power  of 
motive  to  improvement,  because  they  open  to 
the  mind,  the  boundless  future,  and  inspire  the 
soul  with  exultation  in  hope  of  immortality. 
Under  the  action  of  this  discipline,  reason  rises 
to  her  proper  element,  and  enters  upon  scenes  of 
undecaying  beauty.  Here  it  is  permitted  to 
drink  freely  from  the  river  of  life,  and  here  while 
its  energies  are  strengthened  by  exercise,  and 
emboldened  by  adventure,  they  are  purified  by 
prayer.  And  thus  the  whole  man  stands  forth 
to  the  admiration  of  angels,  in  all  the  majesty  of 
a thinking  being,  and  little  less  than  a spirit  of 
the  skies.  But, 

2.  We  are  to  bring  them  up  in  the  admoni- 
tion of  the  Lord;  that  is,  in  the  instruction  or 


106 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Children  to  be  brought  up  in  the  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

doctrine  of  the  Lord.  In  general  we  may  re- 
mark, that  children  should  be  brought  up  to 
some  useful  end.  If  we.  would  have  them 
respected,  we  must  endeavor  to  render  them 
useful  members  of  society;  valuable  not  so  much 
for  what  they  have  as  for  what  they  do.  They 
should  be  brought  up  to  habits  of  industry  and 
carefulness. 

Parents  should  avoid  as  a most  dangerous 
error,  that  silly  pride  that  refuses  their  children  a 
practical  knowledge  of  some  useful  business, 
merely  because  they  have  a fortune  to  bestow 
upon  them.  The  instances  are  not  rare  in  which 
men  have  died  in  poverty,  simply  because  their 
parents  left  them  rich;  while  others  have  hono- 
rably attained  to  affluence  and  distinction  in  the 
world,  who  did  not  enjoy  these  advantages. 
Whatever,  therefore,  may  be  the  favors  parents 
may  have  it  in  their  power  to  bestow  on  their 
children,  they  should  never,  by  any  means,  do 
away  the  necessity  of  personal  exertion,  for  even 
exercise  gives  character,  and  industry  is  favo- 
rable both  to  wealth  and  religion. 

But  we  are  to  bear  in  mind,  that  whatever 
comfort  or  decoration,  it  may  be  proper  or  neces- 
sary to  provide  for  our  children  in  the  present 
life,  and  whatever  instruction,  it  may  be  neces- 
sary to  confer,  to  render  them  useful  members 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


107 


They  are  to  be  subjects  of  religious  instruction. 

of  civil  society,  it  is  the  sole  and  the  higher  inte- 
rests of  the  future  world  that  claim  our  chief 
attention.  If  we  can  place  them  on  a level  with 
the  more  fortunate  of  their  associates,  or  give 
them  an  outfit  in  the  world,  it  may  be  well;  but 
even  then  we  shall  have  accomplished  but  little 
in  securing  the  great  end  of  their  being,  and  in 
preparing  them  for  the  vision  of  God,  and  the 
society  of  angels.  They  must  be  brought  up  in 
the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

1.  They  are  to  be  the  subjects  of  religious 
instruction . — From  the  revealed  will  of  God,  as 
the  great  reservoir  of  religious  truth  and  moral 
rule,  we  are  to  bring  those  refreshing  streams  of 
spiritual  health,  that  shall  give  fertility  and  love- 
liness to  the  otherwise  arid  wastes  of  the  human 
mind.  The  word  of  God  is  to  form  the  great 
centre  of  all  their  intellectual  operations,  as  well 
as  the  controlling  power  of  their  whole  lives. 
To  this  their  minds  are  to  be  directed  as  a sure 
and  unerring  guide,  amidst  the  darkness  and 
confusion  of  this  life — a light  that  sheds  its  cheer- 
ing rays  on  all  the  obscurities  of  our  earthly  pil- 
grimage, and  also  brightens  with  its  radiance  the 
valley  of  death.  (See  Psa.  xxiii,  24.) 

They  are  to  be  brought  up  in  the  knowledge 
of  the  only  true  God,  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  he 
hath  sent  to  be  the  Saviour  of  the  world.  Teach 


103 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Teach  them  both  the  theory  and  practice  of  religion. 

them  to  read  the  Scriptures  of  truth,  and  to  read 
them  as  the  words  of  the  living  God.  Read  them 
with  and  to  them,  and  encourage  those  artless  but 
pertinent  inquiries  youth  is  wont  to  institute,  by 
the  affectionate,  easy,  and  familiar  illustrations 
of  whatever  may  be  obscure  or  difficult  to  their 
understanding.  And  thus  lead  them  on  from 
the  mere  elements  of  Christian  doctrine,  to  things 
more  difficult  to  be  understood.  “ So  shall  they 
become  wise  unto  salvation,  and  mighty  in  the 
Scriptures  of  truth.” 

The  practical  nature  of  religion  must  be  pro- 
minently exhibited,  and  deeply  impressed  on 
their  minds.  They  must  be  given  to  feel  the 
obligation  they  are  under  to  venerate  the  insti- 
tutions of  the  Most  High.  Teach  them  to  keep 
the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord,  not  merely  as  a day  of 
relaxation  from  business  or  of  friendly  inter- 
course with  their  relations ; and  least  of  all  as  a 
day  of  festivity  and  mirth.  Teach  them  to  keep 
it  holy  unto  the  Lord  their  God.  Read  to  them 
the  decalogue,  show  its  claims,  the  consequences' 
of  its  violation.  Explain  the  solemn  nature  of 
an  oath,  or  any  appeal  to  God.  The  heinous- 
ness of  hypocrisy  and  falsehood ; of  envy  and 
slander,  injustice  and  oppression.  Show  them 
the  reasons  of  obedience  to  the  civil  ruler,  and 
what  it  is  that  constitutes  a good  citizen.  Cause 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


109 


The  necessity  of  experience. 

them  to  venerate  the  house  of  God,  his  worship, 
and  his  ministers;  and  never  allow  them  to  speak 
lightly  of  their  seniors  in  age  or  in  office.  Defend 
them  against  the  impression  that  the  house  of 
God  is  merely  a place  of  fashionable  resort,  and 
the  Sabbath  a day  of  more  than  ordinary  vanity, 
pride,  and  display.  Teach  them  that  God  tries 
the  hearts  of  men,  and  that  it  is  the  moral  con- 
dition of  the  heart  which  renders  us  pleasing  or 
displeasing,  in  his  sight.  That  our  true  wisdom 
and  happiness  is  to  understand  and  perform  our 
duty. 

But  even  all  this  will  fail  to  secure  the  end 
proposed,  unless  we  bring  our  children  to  expe- 
rience the  renewing  power  of  divine  grace . 
The  foundations  of  evangelical  morality  are  laid 
not  in  intellectual  improvements,  but  in  spiritual 
regeneration,  in  the  destruction  of  the  carnal 
mind.  “ We  cannot  hope  to  gather  grapes  of 
thorns,  or  figs  of  thistles.  The  tree  must  be  made 
good.”  Matt,  vii,  16,  17.  Education  may  de- 
velope  and  discipline  the  mind,  society  polish 
their  manners,  and  reading  and  study  enrich 
them  with  all  that  is  valuable  in  literature  and 
science.  But  still  the  corrupt  fountain  will  send 
forth  its  putrid  streams,  and  the  untamed  pas- 
sions of  the  heart,  like  unclean  birds  of  evil 
omen,  will  ever  and  anon,  fly  abroad,  an  alarm- 
10 


110 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Parents  are  to  instruct  their  children. 


ing  presage  of  prodigality  and  crime.  And  as  it 
is  only  by  the  renewing  power  of  the  Holy  Spi- 
rit of  God,  that  these  evil  principles  and  propen- 
sities of  our  nature,  can  be  subdued  and  de- 
stroyed, and  that  the  affections  can  be  directed  to 
their  proper  object,  and  that  conscience  can  be 
made  to  execute  the  trust  of  an  ever  watchful 
sentinel  over  the  immortal  interests  of  man;  so 
our  children  should  be  taught  to  seek  it  of  God 
in  all  the  earnestness  of  prayer  and  simplicity  of 
faith.  We  should  press  home  upon  their  hearts 
the  simple  but  momentous  truth,  “ Ye  must  be 
born  again.”  Thus  are  we  to  bring  them  up  in 
the  nurture  of  the  Lord. 

2.  This  instruction  is  to  be  given  by  parents ; 
“ and  ye  fathers  bring  your  children,”  &c.  No- 
thing but  incapacity  can  relieve  parents  from  this 
obligation;  for  whatever  forms  of  public  instruc- 
tion it  may  have  pleased  God  to  institute  for  the 
benefit  of  mankind  generally,  he  has  uniformly 
insisted  on  the  faithful  discharge  of  this  duty,  as 
one  of  paramount  importance.  It  formed  one  of 
the  leading  excellencies  in  the  character  of  Abra- 
ham, 66  That  he  would  command  his  children 
and  his  household  after  him,  to  keep  the  way  of 
the  Lord,  and  to  do  justice  and  judgment.” 
(Gen.  xviii,  19.)  And  this  principle  was  so  in- 
corporated with  the  institutions  of  the  Jewish 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Ill 


They  should  do  it  cheerfully. 

Church,  as  to  be  one  of  its  prominent  glories. 
(See  Deut.  vi,  6,  7.)  “ And  the  words  that  I 
command  thee,  shall  be  in  thy  heart,  and  thou 
shalt  teach  them  diligently  unto  thy  children,  and 
shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou  sittest  in  thine 
house,  and  when  thou  walkest  by  the  way.” — 
(See  also  Psa.  lxxviii,  3.  8.) 

Parents  should  give  this  instruction  cheerfully , 
and  never  think  the  time  uselessly  expended, 
that  is  appropriated  to  the  moral,  mental  and 
religious  cultivation  of  their  children.  Better 
neglect  all  beside  than  these,  for  ultimately  chil- 
dren are  every  thing  to  their  parents.  (Psa. 
cxxvii.)  “ Children  are  an  heritage  of  the  Lord; 
as  arrows  are  in  the  hand  of  a mighty  man,  so  are 
children  of  the  youth,”  &c.  It  is  a poor  business 
to  attend  to  the  accumulation  of  a fortune  for 
our  children,  and  neglect  their  education.  It  is 
as  if  a man  would  gather  straws,  and  scatter 
precious  stones.  Let  parents  but  cultivate  the 
minds  and  morals  of  their  children,  and  in  a 
great  majority  of  cases,  they  will  reap  a hundred 
fold.  (See  Prov.  xxii,  6.)  “ Train  up  a child  in 

the  way  he  should  go,  and  when  he  is  old  he 
will  not  depart  from  it.”  In  the  morning  let 
them  plant  the  seeds  of  knowledge,  and  in  the 
evening  not  withhold  their  hand,  seeing  they 
know  not  whether  shall  prosper,  either  this  or 


112 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


It  should  be  done  affectionately  and  consistently. 

that,  or  whether  they  both  shall  be  alike  good, 
Eccles.  xi,  6. 

This  instruction  should  be  given  affection- 
ately. Sympathy  and  condescension  are  attri- 
butes of  character  essential  to  every  teacher,  and 
especially  to  a parent.  Things  are  to  be  brought 
down  to  the  capacities  of  children,  and  should 
frequently  be  sanctified  with  prayer.  Things 
spiritual  can  be  explained  by  reference  to  things 
natural,  and  their  minds  may,  by  an  easy  and 
impressive  transition  be  led  from  the  contempla- 
tion of  this  world  to  that  which  is  to  come.  On 
all  your  well  meant  efforts,  ask  the  special  bless- 
ing of  God,  so  shall  your  sons  grow  up  as  olive 
plants  round  about  your  table,  and  your  daugh- 
ters be  as  corner  stones  polished  after  the  simili- 
tude of  a palace.  Psa.  cxliv,  12. 

This  instruction  is  to  be  given  consistently . 
Our  children  are  to  understand  that  it  is  a sub- 
ject of  immense  moment;  that  the  cultivation  of 
the  mind,  the  formation  of  correct  habits,  acting 
from  proper  principles  to  worthy  ends  are  not 
things  of  secondary  import.  But  that  these  are 
the  very  basis  of  all  that  is  valuable  in  human 
nature.  And,  hence,  their  minds  are  to  be  held 
to  some  point,  and  they  are  to  be  urged  forward 
as  they  can  bear,  in  the  prosecution  of  some  en- 
terprise, that  can  be  turned  to  good  account* 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


113 


Enforced  by  authority  and  example. 

either  as  matter  of  intellectual  embellishment  or 
practical  utility. 

This  instruction  is  to  be  enforced  by  authori- 
ty. Parents  are  to  command,  and  children  are 
required  to  obey,  for  such  is  the  will  of  God. 
“ Children  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord.” 
Eph.  vi,  1.  Parents  are  not  merely  to  advise 
their  children,  they  must  do  their  utmost  to 
enforce  their  regulations.  (See  Prov.  xxix,  15.) 
“The  rod  and  reproof  give  wisdom.”  Verse 
xvii.  “ Correct  thy  son  and  he  shall  give  thee 
rest,  yea,  he  shall  give  delight  to  thy  soul.”  Such 
is  the  appointment  of  God,  the  voice  of  reason 
and  of  experience. 

This  instruction  is  to  be  enforced  by  example . 
If  parents  are  kind  and  affectionate,  ready  to 
assist  and  serve  each  other;  if  they  are  industri- 
ous, economical,  neat  in  person  and  attentive  to 
business,  faithful  to  meet  their  engagements, 
and  generous  to  relieve  the  distressed,  it  is 
morally  impossible  that  the  influence  of  their 
example  should  be  entirely  lost  on  their  children. 
The  great  fault  with  most  parents  in  this  parti- 
cular is,  that  they  do  not  make  their  example 
sufficiently  prominent.  Children  love  something 
strongly  marked:  something  clear  and  unequivo- 
cal: and  because  this  is  not  found  as  generally 
as  it  ought  to  be,  religious  example  has  not  its 
10* 


114 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Conclusion. 

proper  influence  upon  them.  Therefore,  let 
your  light  so  shine  before  your  children,  that  they 
seeing  your  good  works  may  glorify  your  Father 
$ which  is  in  heaven.  Mat.  v,  16.  But  to  con- 
clude these  reflections,  we  may  advert, 

1.  To  the  pernicious  consequences  which 
most  generally  attend  the  violation  of  the  in- 
structions contained  in  the  text . It  has  become 
almost  an  adage,  that  cruel  parents  have  vicious 
children;  and  although  not  true  in  every  case,  it 
is  perfectly  reasonable  that  it  should  be.  For  if 
children  behold  their  natural  guardians  and  pro- 
tectors not  only  indifferent  to  their  interests,  but 
also  arbitrary,  cruel  and  oppressive,  how  can  it 
be  otherwise,  than  that  they  should  regard  their 
own  home  as  a place  of  punishment,  and  leave 
it  for  an  asylum  among  strangers?  Or  abandon 
themselves  to  the  dominion  of  passion,  of  preju- 
dice and  crime?  Similar  results  will  attend  a 
form  of  domestic  government  too  lax  in  its  regu- 
lations or  inefficiently  administered.  For  the 
worst  of  despotism  is  when  every  one  is  permit- 
ted to  do  as  seemeth  right  in  his  own  eyes. 

Provoke  not  your  children  to  wrath;  give 
them  a wholesome  example,  reasonable  disci- 
pline, the  means  and  opportunity  of  improve- 
ment, as  far  as  is  in  your  power;  and  as  you 
require  the  homage  of  their  affections,  let  them 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


115 


Conclusion. 

have  the  light  of  your  countenance.  Recipro- 
cate their  confidence,  and  increase  the  ardor  of 
their  affection,  by  manifesting  the  sincerity  and 
activity  of  your  own.  Never  cast  your  children 
carelessly  upon  the  world,  to  encounter  and  con- 
tend with  its  adverse  scenes  unsustained  by  your 
counsel  or  co-operation.  No  father  should  ever 
say,  “ I had  no  education,  no  help,  no  opportu- 
nities, and  I have  got  on  in  the  world ; my  chil- 
dren are  no  better  than  I,  let  them  do  as  I have 
done  before  them.”  To  say  that  such  language 
is  inexcusable , is  not  enough,  it  is  grossly  un- 
natural. Parents  should  rather  give  their  chil- 
dren all  the  character  they  can,  whether  it  rest 
on  property,  education,  or  moral  worth.  And  in 
most  cases  where  this  is  done,  if  children  are  not 
wise,  they  will  be  virtuous;  if  they  are  not  great, 
they  will  be  good.  And  in  any  event,  the  pa- 
rents will  be  clear  before  God,  having  done  their 
duty  in  this  thing. 

Again,  avoid  all  unseemly  epithets,  institute 
no  unkind  and  mortifying  comparisons,  between 
your  own  children  and  those  of  other  persons. 
Remember  they  are  not  the  less  yours,  because 
their  capabilities  are  slender.  Therefore  do  not 
venture  thus  to  despise  the  work  of  God,  and  to 
treat  with  indifference  them  to  whom  you  should 
extend  the  greater  sympathy.  Never  forget  that 


116 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Conclusion. 

whatever  may  be  the  grade  of  mind  allotted 
your  children,  they  are  placed  by  the  appoint- 
ment of  God,  under  your  protection,  and  that  he 
has  made  it  your  duty  to  watch  over,  uphold,  and 
educate  them  according  to  your  ability,  and  that 
for  this  he  holds  you  responsible  to  his  bar. 

2.  We  refer,  finally,  to  the  advantages  that 
will , in  most  instances , crown  the  pious  care  of 
parents  in  this  department  of  their  duty . 
Thus  they  strengthen  their  authority,  by  impro- 
ving the  principles,  and  increasing  the  affection 
of  their  children.  For  every  impression  made  by 
their  kindness  or  neglect,  strikes  in  upon  the 
soul,  and  lasts  forever.  And  thus  they  also  afford 
their  children  the  readiest  passport  to  respecta- 
bility in  the  world.  They  throw  around  them 
the  most  effectual  preventives  to  vice,  and  place 
before  them  the  most  active  incentives  to  virtue, 
and  heighten  the  pleasing  probability,  that  at  last 
they  and  their  children,  will  meet  together  in  the 
kingdom  of  God.  * 

0 how  transporting  the  thought,  that  you  and 
yours,  sons  and  daughters,  shall  all,  at  an  ap- 
proaching period,  and  that  not  remote,  meet  to- 
gether never  to  be  separated  again.  And  there 
to  mature  in  heaven  those  sentiments  and  affec- 
tions of  kindness  and  piety,  planted  and  cultiva- 
ted with  so  much  solicitude  at  your  own  fireside. 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


117 


Conclusion. 

Let  this  cheer  and  encourage  you,  ye  fathers,  as 
you  bend  your  course  heavenward,  leading  on 
in  the  van  of  your  domestic  charge.  Say,  “as 
for  me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve  the  Lord.” 
Encourage  them  with  your  examples,  your 
blessings,  and  your  prayers,  so  shall  they  be  your 
joy  and  crown  of  rejoicing  in  the  day  of  the  Lord 
Jesus.  Then  thou  shalt  say,  “ Lord,  here  am  I 
and  the  children  that  thou  hast  given  me,”  and 
He  will  say,  “ Well  done,  thou  good  and  faith- 
ful servant,  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord.” 
May  it  be  even  so.  Amen,  and  Amen. 


DISCOURSE  III. 


DUTIES  OF  CHILDREN. 

Eph.  vi.  1,2.  “ Children,  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord,  for 
this  is  right.  Honor  thy  Father  and  Mother,  (which  is  the 
first  commandment  with  promise.”) 

It  may  be  regarded  as  one  of  the  peculiar 
excellencies  of  the  Christian  religion,  that  it  is 
wisely  adapted  to  the  present  very  imperfect  and 
complicated  state  of  human  society,  being  neither 
too  limited  in  its  instructions,  nor  deficient  in 
motive,  to  give  them  effect.  It  abounds  with 
promises  exceeding  great  and  precious;  almost 
endless  in  their  variety,  and  unequivocal  in  their 
forms  of  expression,  promises  in  every  way  cal- 
culated to  cheer  and  invigorate  the  heart  of  the 
pilgrim,  in  this  world  of  vicissitudes  and  afflic- 
tions. It  also  takes  into  view  the  various  rela- 
tions that  exist  among  men,  together  with  the 
obligations  they  originate,  and  their  appropriate 
duties.  It  defines  the  nature,  and  specifies  the 
limits  of  authority,  as  well  as  of  obedience,  and 
upholds  the  one  and  enforces  the  other,  by  sanc- 
tions of  the  highest  import,  and  greatest  power 
that  we  can  comprehend. 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


119 


The  nature  and  extent  of  the  command. 

The  word  of  God  not  only  recognises  and 
guards  the  high  prerogatives  of  the  civil  ruler 
enjoining  on  every  disciple,  “To  render  unto 
Caesar  the  things  that  are  Caesar’s,  as  truly  as 
unto  God  the  things  that  are  God’s.”  Matt, 
xxii,  21.  But  it  also  descends  into  the  private 
circle  of  the  humblest  family,  and  inculcates  on 
each  of  its  members  those  duties  which  in  the 
nature  of  things,  are  essential  to  their  individual 
or  collective  prosperity.  The  husband,  the  wife, 
the  parent,  the  child,  the  master,  the  servant,  are 
all  addressed  in  turn ; and  their  respective  duties 
are  distiuctly  stated,  and  emphatically  enjoined 
with  all  the  authority  of  a revelation  from  God. 
In  the  two  preceding  discourses,  we  have  consi- 
dered those  duties  in  their  relation  to  persons  as 
heads  of  families,  either  simply  as  man  and  wife, 
or  with  the  additional  responsibility  of  parents. 
We  now  notice  another  branch  of  our  subject, 
perhaps  not  less  important  than  either  of  those 
previously  considered.  The  duty  of  children  to 
their  parents . “ Children  obey  your  parents  in 

the  Lord,  for  this  is  right.” 

I.  Let  us  explain  the  nature  and  extent  of 
this  command. — Obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord. 

The  nature  of  the  obedience  here  enjoined,  is 
such  as  to  render  this  a very  grave  inquiry  and 


120 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE* 


Nature  of  the  Command. 

to  invest  it  with  peculiar  claims  on  our  attention, 
because  that  its  proper  observance  is  essentially 
connected  with  every  thing  vitally  important  to 
man,  regarded  either  as  a creature  of  civil, 
social  or  religious  habits;  and  hence  is  univer- 
sally regarded  as  a fundamental  principle  of 
good  government;  while  its  opposite  is  always 
the  attendant  of  atheism  in  religion,  and  insub- 
ordination, anarchy  and  rebellion  in  the  state. 
That  disobedience  to  parents  is  really  a crime  of 
fearful  magnitude,  cursing  as  deeply  in  its 
natural  tendencies  and  providential  visitations, 
the  unnatural  child,  as  it  afflicts  the  heart-riven 
parent,  will  not  be  disputed  by  any  one  who 
understands  the  philosophy  of  his  own  nature, 
or  attends  to  the  testimony  of  the  past,  and  the 
mysterious  operations  of  the  Almighty  in  the 
administration  of  his  righteous  providence. 

When  the  apostle  would  describe  the  corrup- 
tion attendant  on  the  general  falling  away,  or 
apostacy  which  would  take  place  in  the  last 
days,  he  places  high  and  prominent  in  the  list  of 
enormities,  which  should  then  abound,  disobe- 
dience to  parents.  2 Tim.  iii,  1 — 2.  Such  also 
is  the  view  presented  of  this  subject  in  the  Old 
Testament.  Ezk.  xxiii,  7.  See  also  Mai.  iv, 
5 — 6.  “ Behold,  I will  send  you  Elijah  the  pro- 

phet before  the  coming  of  the  great  and  dread- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


121 


Comprehends  submission. 

ful  day  of  the  Lord;  and  he  shall  turn  the  heart 
of  the  fathers  to  the  children,  and  the  heart  of 
the  children  to  their  fathers,  lest  I come  and 
smite  the  earth  with  a curse.”  But  to  proceed 
with  the  explanation  of  this  duty — we  may  ob- 
serve that  it  comprehends: 

1.  Submission  to  parental  authority  and 
rule . That  parents  are  manifestly  the  divinely 
appointed  guardians  and  rulers  of  their  children, 
and  that  they  have  within  certain  limits,  rights 
and  authority,  superior  to  all  other  persons,  are 
questions  of  indisputable  certainty.  Submission, 
therefore,  to  their  will  on  the  part  of  their  chil- 
dren, is  only  to  abide  by  an  appointment  of  God, 
in  itself  most  obvious,  and  in  its  bearings  on  the 
interests  of  society  in  every  conceivable  point  of 
light,  vitally  interesting.  The  instinctive  prompt- 
ness with  which  children  look  to  their  parents 
for  protection  and  support,  and  the  common  un- 
derstanding that  parents  are  under  obligations 
to  afford  them  protection,  is  a tacit  acknowledg- 
ment of  their  right  to  govern  and  impose  on 
their  children,  the  obligation  of  submission  to 
their  authority.  This,  indeed,  is  due  as  an  ex- 
pression of  gratitude  for  benefits  received,  and 
as  a grateful  tribute  of  respect  to  their  divinely 
appointed  superiors,  under  whose  watchful  care 
and  tenderness  they  have  been  fed,  clothed  and 
11 


122 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Disobedient  children  bad  citizens. 

protected.  Children  obey  your  parents,  submit 
to  their  authority,  do  not  dare  to  oppose  or 
violate  their  laws  or  instructions  when  they  are 
not  at  variance  with  the  revealed  will  of  God. 
“ Therefore,  my  son,  hear  the  instruction  of  thy 
father,  and  forsake  not  the  law  of  thy  mother, 
for  they  shall  be  an  ornament  of  grace  unto  thy 
head  and  as  chains  about  thy  neck.”  Prov.  i, 
8—9. 

There  are  instances,  however,  in  which  even 
this  low  degree  of  filial  piety  is  not  found,  and 
in  which  the  children,  as  if  abandoned  to  evil  or 
born  without  the  ordinary  instincts  of  humanity, 
rise  up  in  open  rebellion  against  their  parents, 
and  censure  without  scruple,  and  renounce  with- 
out shame,  the  instructions  of  their  wisdom  and 
the  appointments  of  their  authority.  “This  is  a 
generation  that  in  heart  curseth  their  father  and 
doth  not  bless  their  mother.”  Prov.  xxx,  11. 
Surely  such  a child  is  not  only  one  of  the 
heaviest  afflictions  that  can  burden  a parent’s 
heart,  but  also  one  of  the  darkest  reproaches  of 
human  nature,  and  it  will  be  found  as  a general 
rule,  that  persons  of  this  class  form  the  most  in- 
subordinate and  troublesome  members  of  civil 
society.  Their  disobedience  and  rebellion  at 
home  is  but  the  prelude  to  more  public  transac- 
tions of  infamy  and  recklessness  abroad,  for 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


123 


Various  reasons  for  submission. 

when  children  throw  off  the  restraints  of  family 
government,  they  precipitate  themselves  as  from 
a precipice,  into  a depth  of  temptation,  irreligion 
and  crime,  from  which  there  is  no  return  but 
that  of  the  contrite  prodigal.  Luke  xv,  17 — 21. 
The  only  adequate  basis  of  public  order,  is  pri- 
vate virtue,  and  the  strongest  guarantee  of 
obedience  to  civil  rule,  is  submission  to  parental 
authority;  for  the  child  who  rebels  against  his 
parents  will  also  rebel  against  his  God  and  all 
subordinate  forms  of  authority.  Hence  we  read, 
“ Ye  shall  fear  every  man  his  father  and  his 
mother  and  keep  my  Sabbaths,  I am  the  Lord 
your  God.”  Lev.  xix,  3. 

Submit  to  their  restraints,  and  as  you  value  a 
good  conscience,  while  you  are  in  their  family 
abide  by  their  regulations;  if  they  command, 
obey;  if  they  rebuke,  hear  with  patience  and 
submission;  for  "he  is  a fool  that  despiseth  his 
father’s  instruction;  but  he  that  regardeth  reproof 
is  prudent.”  Prov.  xv,  5. 

If  you  are  not  clad  as  fine  nor  urged  forward 
in  society  as  fast  as  some  of  your  associates,  or 
perhaps  your  kindred,  bear  in  mind  that  it  may 
not  be  in  the  power  of  your  parents  to  afford  it. 
If  they  refuse  the  price  of  a dress,  or  the  outfit 
and  means  for  an  excursion  of  pleasure  and 
fashion,  it  may  be  in  order  to  meet  some  obliga- 


124 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


This  command  enjoins  affection. 

tion  in  business,  or  to  secure  the  means  of 
education,  if  not  for  yourself,  yet  for  some  of  the 
younger  members  of  the  family;  and  be  assured 
that  if  at  present  you  are  unable  to  appreciate 
their  motives, you  most  certainly  will  be  hereafter, 
especially  if  ever  in  the  providence  of  God  you 
become  a parent.  “ Therefore,  keep  thy  father’s 
commandment,  and  forsake  not  the  law  of  thy 
mother,  bind  them  continually  upon  thine  heart, 
and  tie  them  about  thy  neck;  when  thou  goest, 
it  shall  lead  thee,  when  thou  sleepest  it  shall 
keep  thee,  and  when  thou  wakest  it  shall  talk 
with  thee.”  Prov.  vi,  20 — 22. 

2.  Another  particular  embraced  in  this  com- 
mand, is  affection  or  love . The  submission  of 
a child  is  not  to  be  like  that  of  a slave,  or  of  a 
person  under  wrath  or  condemnation,  who  bows 
to  the  yoke  reluctantly,  and  with  a secret  abhor- 
rence of  the  power  that  receives  his  submission; 
it  is  rather  to  be  the  free-will  offering  of  affec- 
tion, the  tribute  of  love  in  the  strictest  sense  of 
that  word.  We  do  not  intend  to  intimate  that 
filial  affection  is,  or  in  the  nature  of  things  can 
be,  equal  to  parental  love,  because  it  has  not  the 
same  offices  to  perform,  nor  the  same  privations 
to  endure ; and  is,  therefore,  not  armed  with  the 
same  vigor  of  principle,  untiring  fortitude,  and 
patient  endurance;  but  yet  it  has  all  that  is  ami- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


125 


Inferior  to  parental  affection. 

able  or  generous  in  friendship,  that  is  magnani- 
mous in  patriotism,  and  much  that  is  sacred  in 
religion. 

The  correctness  of  this  sentiment,  we  imagine, 
will  be  readily  recognised  and  admitted  by  every 
considerate  parent.  In  the  one  this  affection  is 
a principle  of  defence  and  protection;  in  the 
other  of  artless  confidence  and  implicit  submis- 
sion. The  affection  of  a parent  is  full  of  care 
and  contrivance — it  is  now  buoyant  with  hope, 
and  anon  depressed  with  fear;  it  marks  every 
little  variation  of  health,  and  indication  of  genius, 
and  all  the  assembling  elements  of  character 
which,  meeting  in  his  child,  give  presage  of 
future  good  or  evil.  In  a child,  it  is  a principle 
regulated  in  its  action  to  a great  extent  by  con- 
siderations of  self-interest,  and  is,  therefore,  irre- 
gular in  its  motion,  and  uncertain  in  its  fruits. 
Parental  affection  is  a master  principle,  absorbing 
the  entire  soul;  it  dictates  the  measures  of  busi- 
ness abroad,  and  superintends  all  the  regulations 
of  home.  If  a parent  buy  or  sell,  mourn  or 
rejoice,  encounter  perils  by  land  or  by  sea,  it  is, 
in  most  cases,  from  considerations  involving  the 
interest  of  his  children. 

In  further  illustration  of  the  superiority  of 
parental  tenderness  to  filial  affection,  we  may 
remark,  that  David,  as  a son,  has  consecrated  no 

11* 


126 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE* 


Filial  love  a growing  principle. 

hymn  to  preserve  the  memory  of  his  own  vene- 
rable father,  and  thus  to  enlighten  and  edify 
posterity  by  the  example  of  his  filial  piety.  But 
as  a father  he  has  spoken  the  undisguised  feel- 
ings of  every  pious  parent,  in  lamenting  the  death 
of  his  own  ungrateful  and  rebellious  son.  “ 0 
my  son,  Absalom ! my  son,  my  son,  Absalom! 
would  to  God  I had  died  for  thee,  0 Absalom, 
my  son,  my  son!” 

But  still,  filial  affection  is  one  of  the  most 
active  elements  in  the  juvenile  character  of  man; 
and  in  all  persons  of  correct  principles  and  edu- 
cation, though  not  so  ardent  in  its  expression, 
becomes  more  prompt  and  cheerful  in  its  service, 
with  increase  of  years,  and  more  especially  where 
children  themselves  have  become  parents.  If 
ever  this  affection  is  obliterated  from  the  human 
breast,  it  is  not  until  vice  has  taken  the  entire 
possession  of  the  child,  or  the  protection  of  the 
parent  has  been  unnaturally  withheld,  and  their 
negligence  or  unkindness  has  constituted  their 
children  orphans,  while  their  parents  were  yet 
alive.  But  even  then,  where  this  is  the  case,  the 
tribute  of  affection  still  is  due.  A parent  is  still 
an  object  of  love  and  veneration,  either  in  renown 
or  ruin.  6i  Children  love  your  parents;”  reason 
and  religion  dictate  that  the  most  charitable  con- 
struction should  be  placed  on  all  their  actions, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


127 


Children  to  reverence  their  parents. 

however  unfortunate  in  business,  or  irregular  in 
conduct,  for  by  the  appointment  of  heaven  even 
their  very  faults  are  sacred.  (See  Gen.  ix,  20, 
22.)  Let  it  then  be  understood,  that  the  obe- 
dience here  enjoined  implies  submission  and 
affection;  and 

3.  Reverence . In  Exodus,  xx,  12,  we  are 

commanded,  “ Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mo- 
ther;” and  again,  in  Lev.  xix, 3,  “Ye  shall  fear 
every  man  his  father  and  his  mother.”  Chil- 
dren are,  therefore,  to  have  upon  their  minds  an 
humbling  sense  of  their  inferiority  to  their  pa- 
rents, and  are  to  reverence  them  as  their  natural 
and  divinely  appointed  superiors.  If  it  is  reason- 
able and  just  to  treat  with  reverence  our  civil 
rulers  or  teachers,  and  persons  more  advanced  in 
age  than  ourselves,  generally,  how  much  more 
reasonable  and  just  is  it  to  venerate  our  parents, 
from  whom,  under  God,  we  receive  our  being. 
Children  are,  therefore,  never  to  usurp  the  place 
of  parents  in  the  domestic  government, nor  crowd 
them  out  of  conversation  in  the  family  circle,  nor 
exercise  their  wit  in  impertinent  retorts  at  the 
fire-side.  They  are  not  to  amuse  themselves 
with  what  may  be  awkward,  or  expose  what 
may  be  weak  in  their  minds  or  manners.  But 
they  are  to  remember,  that  although  their  pa- 
rents may  not  be  great,  and  what  is  more  to  be 


128 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Children  are  to  serve  their  parents. 

regretted,  may  not  be  good,  yet  they  are  to 
them  what  no  other  persons  can  be,  and  they 
have  claims  high  and  holy,  to  the  most  affection- 
ate veneration. 

There  are  cases,  however,  in  which  the  child 
will  assume,  even  in  the  presence  of  their  parents, 
all  the  ferocity  of  a madman,  or  the  antics  of  a 
buffoon,  and  even  glory  in  his  shame,  as  if  to 
experiment  upon  their  forbearance  or  good- 
nature. In  vain  the  mother  weeps,  and  the 
father  remonstrates,  “ the  foolish  son  is  a grief  to 
the  one,  and  a bitterness  to  the  other.”  Prov. 
xvii,  25.  He  turns  sneeringly  from  what  is  de- 
nominated the  antiquated  manners  of  his  parents, 
and  prides  himself  in  being  a person  of  superior 
spirit  and  fashion,  because  he  can  hold  in  disdain 
the  circle  of  their  society.  In  these  cases  of  filial 
insubordination  and  rebellion,  parent  and  child 
change  places;  the  former  pleads,  but  the  other 
raves,  and  nestling  in  his  bosom  passions  as 
venomous  as  adders,  and  cruel  as  the  poison  of 
asps,  rushes  on  to  infamy  and  ruin  ; an  awful  de- 
monstration, that  “ he  that  begetteth  a fo  )!,doth 
it  to  his  sorrow ; and  that  the  father  of  a fool 
hath  no  joy.”  Prov.  xvii,  21. 

4.  Another  particular  embraced  in  this  com- 
mand, is  service . Submission  to  rule,  affection, 
and  veneration,  are  not,  by  any  means,  all  that 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


129 


Parents  transfer  their  rights. 

children  are  to  render  to  their  parents.  The 
command  is,  “ Children,  obey  your  parents.” 
They  certainly  have  the  first  and  strongest  claim 
at  your  hands.  We  now  speak  more  particu- 
larly of  service  rendered  during  the  time  that 
children  remain  with  their  parents,  and  such  as 
may  be  necessary  to  assist  or  support  them. 
This  may  be  humiliating,  it  may  be  the  veriest 
drudgery,  and  impose  a great  abridgment  of 
personal  comfort,  but. still  it  is  a duty  that  God 
has  clearly  enjoined  upon  man,  nor  can  it  be 
neglected  without  violence  to  our  own  nature, 
and  exposure  to  His  displeasure.  Therefore  do 
the  will  of  your  parents  cheerfully,  and  do  it  as 
unto  God,  knowing  that  whatsoever  good  a man 
does,  of  the  Lord  shall  he  receive  his  reward. 

There  are  instances  in  which  parents  find  it  ne- 
cessary or  convenient  to  exercise  a right  vested 
in  them  by  nature,  and  recognised  by  law,  of 
transferring  the  time  and  service  of  their  children 
to  other  persons,  for  a given  period;  and  in  that 
event,  whether  the  transfer  be  made  for  the 
benefit  of  the  parent  or  child,  the  latter  certainly 
does  not  sustain  the  same  relation  to  the  family 
as  previously,  for  the  obvious  reason,  that  he  is 
placed  under  the  regulations  of  another  domestic 
government.  All  the  duties,  therefore,  which 
were  previously  expected  at  his  hands,  cannot 


130 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  command  enjoins  assistance. 

now,  in  justice,  be  exacted;  yet  he  does  sustain 
the  relation  of  a child  to  his  parents,  and  there- 
fore the  service  which  is  relinquished,  and  cannot 
be  claimed,  on  the  ground  of  law,  is  still  rendered 
cheerfully  under  the  impulse  of  affection,  so  far 
as  is  practicable,  unless  there  be  something  re- 
prehensible in  the  parent,  or  abandoned  in  the 
child  to  prevent  it.  Admitting  this  view  of  the 
subject  to  be  correct,  what  is  the  estimation  in 
which  we  are  to  hold  the  child,  who  pilfers  and 
purloins  his  parent’s  substance  for  purposes  of 
dissipation,  folly,  and  crime?  “He”  saith  the 
word  of  God,  “ who  robbeth  his  father  or  his 
mother,  and  saith  it  is  no  transgression,  the  same 
is  the  companion  of  a destroyer.”  Prov.  xxviii, 
24.  He  has  in  his  bosom  the  elements  of  every 
low  and  sordid  wickedness;  too  indolent  to  la- 
bor, too  proud  to  be  thought  poor,  and  too  mean 
in  spirit  to  encounter  the  dangers  of  an  open 
robber,  he  meanly  and  tamely  steals  the  hard 
earnings  of  a father’s  labor,  and  the  little  savings 
of  a mother’s  care. 

5.  The  command  before  us  comprehends  as- 
sistance: honor  or  obey  your  parents;  that  is, 
assist  them.  By  this  expression  we  mean  such 
aid  as  it  may  be  in  the  power  of  children  to 
afford  their  parents,  after  they  have  come  to 
years,  and  are  separated  from  them  into  distinct 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


131 


The  command  enjoins  assistance. 

family  organisations  of  their  own.  It  sometimes 
occurs,  in  the  providence  of  God,  that  a period 
turns  up  in  life  in  which  parents  need  the  assist- 
ance of  their  children,  as  much  as  ever  the  chil- 
dren required  the  attention  of  their  parents;  and 
if  there  is  any  principle  clearly  revealed  in  the 
oracles  of  God  or  positively  commanded  by  the 
voice  of  nature,  it  is  the  duty  of  rendering  that 
assistance,  whether  it  imply  food,  apparel  or 
home.  And  as  there  certainly  is  no  duty  more 
obviously  binding  on  children  than  this,  so  there 
is  none  in  which  a virtuous  mind  can  realise  a 
richer  or  more  lasting  satisfaction.  The  child 
who  is  thus  permitted  to  shelter,  console,  or  pro- 
vide for  an  aged  parent,  and  requite  with  per- 
sonal service  the  attention  received  in  infancy,  is 
happy  beyond  expression.  And  yet  the  duty  of 
rendering  such  assistance  and  the  pleasure  at- 
tending the  performance  of  this  duty  is  some- 
times rendered  impracticable,  if  not  by  the 
poverty  of  the  child,  yet  by  the  imprudence  or 
criminal  irregularities  of  the  parent.  In  the  for- 
mer case  there  certainly  cannot  be  the  guilt  of  a 
wilful  violation  of  the  Divine  Law;  in  the  latter, 
there  is  manifestly  the  gloom  of  an  overwhelm- 
ing misfortune — a misfortune  which  but  very 
few  can  appreciate,  because  that  in  the  merciful 


132 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Not  less  a duty  than  a privilege. 

providence  of  God,  few  are  called  to  taste  this 
cup  of  almost  unearthly  bitterness.  Yet  such 
instances  do  occur,  and  unhappily,  like  many 
other  of  the  deeper  afflictions  of  human  na- 
ture, are  least  soothed  or  sustained  by  its  sym- 
pathies. 

But  whatever  may  be  the  principles  or  habits* 
of  parents,  though  a woman  forget  her  sucking 
child,  and  refuse  to  have  compassion  on  the  son 
of  her  womb,  Isa.  lix,  15;  “Yea,  though  both 
father  and  mother  forsake  them,5’  Psa.  xxvii, 
10;  still  it  is  the  appointment  of  God,  so  far  as 
is  practicable,  that  parents  should  receive  honor 
from  their  children.  The  will  of  the  Most  High 
is  not  more  explicitly  made  known  in  relation 
to  the  Sabbath,  to  murder,  theft,  or  falsehood, 
than  in  relation  to  this  question.  Honor  thy 
father  and  mother  is  one  of  the  most  prominent 
points  in  the  decalogue,  and  the  honor  or 
obedience  there  enjoined,  and  which  parents  are 
to  receive  from  their  children,  embraces  the 
several  particulars  already  explained.  And 
these,  it  would  seem  to  us,  comprehend  all  that 
is  essential  to  complete  their  duty,  that  either 
instinct  would  prompt  or  reason  require.  Such 
is  the  nature  of  the  duly  enjoined  in  the  text. 
Children  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord,  submit 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


133 


Extent  of  this  duty. 

to  their  regulations;  do  it  reverently,  affection- 
ately, do  it  in  all  things,  for  this  is  well  pleasing 
to  God.  The  next  point  to  be  noticed  is, 

2.  The  extent  of  this  duty.  Obey  your 
parents  in  the  Lord.  This  obedience  is  to  be  in 
subordination  to  the  will  of  God, for  the  authority 
of  our  parents  can  never  release  us  from  the 
obligations  we  are  under  to  the  Almighty. 
Sacred  as  is  the  relation  we  sustain  to  them,  it 
is  vastly  inferior  to  that  we  hold  to  our  Creator, 
in  whom  we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our 
being.  If,  therefore,  we  should  in  any  case  be 
commanded  by  them  to  do  what  God  has  for- 
bidden, or  to  leave  undone  what  he  has  com- 
manded us  to  do,  we  are  not  only  free  from 
obligation  to  obey,  but  our  responsibility  to  God 
demands  at  our  hands  a prompt  but  respectful 
refusal.  The  general  command,  in  the  text, 
obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord , is  equivalent  to 
a particular  prohibition  in  all  such  cases. 

The  authority  of  parents  does  no  more  em- 
power them  to  compel  their  children  to  receive 
a false  religion,  than  to  adopt  a lax  system  of 
morals.  They  can  no  more  impose  an  obliga- 
tion to  receive  an  erroneous  creed,  than  they 
can  to  reject  all  creeds;  for  it  is  not  in  the  num- 
ber of  those  rights,  with  which  it  has  pleased 
God  to  invest  parents,  that  they  should  have 
12 


134 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Parents  in  the  place  of  God. 

power  to  bind  the  consciences  of  their  children, 
or  to  prescribe  to  them  the  terms  of  eternal  life. 
It  is  true  that  they  are  to  superintend  and  secure 
the  education  of  their  children,  but  they  are  to 
bring  them  up  not  according  to  their  own  pre- 
judices, or  partialities,  but  in  the  nurture  and 
admonition  of  the  Lord.  If  children  are  respon- 
sible to  God  for  their  own  actions;  if  they  will 
not  be  allowed  to  plead  at  the  bar  of  God  in  ex- 
tenuation, or  justification  of  any  sin,  that  their 
parents  commanded  it,  and  if  it  be  a settled  prin- 
ciple in  the  moral  government  of  God;  that  no 
one  shall  be  permitted  to  say,  the  parents  have 
eaten  sour  grapes  and  the  children’s  teeth  are  set 
on  edge,  but  that  every  man  shall  bear  his  own 
iniquity;”  (Ezk.  xviii,  1 — 4,)  then  certainly  the 
case  is  too  plain  for  controversy,  that  children 
are  not  to  violate  any  precept  of  the  Almighty, 
nor  sacrifice  their  conscience  to  please  any  one, 
not  even  a parent.  “ He  that  loveth  father  or 
mother  more  than  me  is  not  worthy  of  me.” 
Matt,  x,  37. 

Children  are  to  obey  their  parent  sin  the  Lord; 
that  is , in  the  place  of  God , after  our  Creator. 
Parents  sustain  to  their  children  the  nearest  rela- 
tion of  any  living  being.  As  the  civil  magistrate 
is  God’s  representative  in  the  commonwealth, 
appointed  by  him  to  be  a terror  to  evil  doers  and 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


135 


Children  to  obey  in  the  fear  of  God. 

a praise  to  them  that  do  well,  Rom.  xiii,  1 — 4; 
and  as  the  ministers  of  Christ  are  his  ambassa- 
dors in  the  church,  to  whom  is  committed  the 
ministry  of  reconciliation,  2 Cor.  v,  19 — 20;  so, 
parents  in  the  domestic  circle  are  his  representa- 
tives to  their  children.  Their  commands,  there- 
fore, are  to  be  scrupulously  received  and  obeyed 
as  the  will  of  God,  in  relation  to  their  children 
where  they  do  not  contravene  some  express 
revelation  of  the  Most  High.  They  should, 
therefore,  obey  their  parents  in  the  spirit  of 
piety.  This  obedience  is  not  only  to  be  rendered 
as  an  act  of  duty  to  the  parent,  but  also  of 
devotion  to  God,  and  thus  to  blend  in  the  same 
deed,  acceptable  service  to  their  greatest  bene- 
factors on  earth,  and  their  Almighty  preserver 
in  heaven. 

Children  should  obey  their  parents  in  the 
fear  of  God . They  are  to  remember  that  to 
violate  the  reasonable  commands  and  instruc- 
tions of  their  parents,  is  to  sin  against  their 
Creator;  and  that  He  resents  as  one  of  the  worst 
forms  of  human  depravity  filial  insubordination, 
as  naturally  engendering  a fitness  for  deeds 
of  the  grossest  folly  and  most  daring  impiety. 
Hence  it  was,  that  God  guarded  that  part  of  the 
Jewish  economy  enjoining  obedience  to  parents 
with  those  high  and  tremendous  sanctions; 


136 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Children  should  obey  for  the  glory  of  God. 

neither  idolatry,  nor  blasphemy,  nor  any  other 
crime  is  more  heavily  denounced,  or  more  se- 
verely punished  under  the  law  than  disobedience 
to  parents.  Exod.  xxi,  15.  “And  he  that  smiteth 
his  father  or  his  mother,  shall  be  surely  put  to 
death.”  We  do  not  imagine  that  the  ceremonial 
law , as  such,  is  still  binding  on  men,  but  most 
certainly  the  moral  law  unincumbered  with  the 
peculiarities  of  the  Levitical  dispensation  is  as 
fully  enforced  now  on  all  men  as  it  was  before, 
or  at  any  time  during  the  continuance  of  the 
Jewish  institute.  The  fact  to  which  we  have 
referred,  therefore,  though  not  strictly  appropri- 
ate to  us  as  a motive  in  the  same  sense  as  to  the 
Jews,  does  answer  that  purpose  in  a higher 
sense,  and  one  more  congenial  with  the  greater 
spirituality  of  our  religion  and  perfection  of  the 
revelation  we  have  received  from  God.  For 
thus  we  are  given  to  see  the  primary  relation  in 
which  this  principle  stands  to  the  whole  econo- 
my of  religion,  and  how  deeply  it  enters  into  the 
moral  arrangements  of  the  divine  government, 
and  how  most  sacredly  it  is  regarded  by  the 
great  Father  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  the  Creator 
of  angels  and  men. 

Children  should  obey  their  parents  for  the 
glory  of  God . They  are  to  respect  their  reli- 
gious opinions  and  practices;  and  if  not  at 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


137 


Arguments  that  enforce  this  duty.  As  reasons  of  nature. 

variance  with  the  word  of  God,  they  should 
conform  to  their  wishes  in  this  particular.  If 
you  have  the  happiness  to  have  religious  parents, 
regard  it  as  one  of  the  greatest  favors  that  God 
bestows  on  men.  Thankfully  receive  their  in- 
structions and  imitate  their  pious  example;  blush 
at  the  idea  of  leaving  them  for  a more  fashion- 
able religion,  one  more  congenial  with  the 
vitiated  taste  of  the  world,  or  that  promises  an 
easier  way  to  heaven.  Rather  adopt  the  reso- 
lution and  example  of  pious  Ruth,  who  said, 
"Entreat  me  not  to  leave  thee  nor  to  return  from 
following  after  thee;  for  whither  thou  goest  I 
will  go,  and  where  thou  lodgest  I will  lodge; 
thy  people  shall  be  my  people,  and  thy  God  my 
God.”  Ruth  i,  16.  Obey  them  for  the  Lord’s 
sake,  “ knowing  that  whatsoever  good  thing  any 
man  doeth,  the  same  shall  he  receive  of  the  Lord, 
whether  he  be  bond  or  free.  Eph.  vi,  8. 

II.  The  reasons  or  argument  that  enforce  this 
precept.  These  we  shall  consider: 

1.  Jls  reasons  of  nature . Our  first  argument 
is  taken  from  the  nature  of  the  case,  it  is  a dic- 
tate of  reason  that  children  should  obey  their 
parents,  a principle  deeply  implanted  in  the  moral 
constitution  of  man,  and  when  it  is  not  suppressed 
by  the  force  of  bad  example,  nor  neutralised  by 
12* 


133 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Reasons  of  Nature. 

the  indulgence  of  vicious  passions,  perhaps  more 
powerful  in  its  influence  over  the  human  mind 
than  most  others.  The  reasonableness  of  this 
duty  is  so  perfectly  obvious,  that  simply  to  name 
it  ought  to  be  sufficient  to  ensure  obedience,  be- 
cause it  is  one  inculcated  by  the  ordinary  in- 
stincts of  our  nature, and  enforced  by  recollections 
interwoven  with  the  experience  of  every  day. 
Its  appearance  in  the  decalogue,  is,  therefore, 
although  an  expression  of  wisdom  and  goodness 
on  the  part  of  our  Maker,  a humiliating  allusion 
to  the  perverted  condition  of  our  fallen  nature, 
which  hesitates  to  move  one  step  in  the  path  of 
duty,  unless  urged  by  the  force  of  penal  law. 

An  elderly  person,  male  or  female,  hoary  with 
age,  and  feeble  with  the  weight  of  years,  leaning 
on  his  or  her  staff,  and  trembling  to  the  tomb,  is 
one  of  the  most  interesting  exhibitions  of  human 
nature.  The  associations  and  moral  influence 
attending  which,  are  vastly  more  pure  and  salu- 
tary than  those  that  accompany  a survey  of  man 
in  his  greenness  or  his  glory.  But  an  aged 
parent,  supported  by  the  arm  of  a devoted  child, 
affords  an  exemplification  of  principle  and  cha- 
racter still  more  interesting  and  affecting.  There 
is  an  indefinable  pleasure  in  the  contemplation 
of  such  an  association  of  infirmity  and  vigor,  of 
age  and  youth,  of  parent  and  child,  upon  which 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


139 


A common  principle  of  our  nature. 

the  mind  loves  to  linger,  because  that  it  is  almost 
unavoidably  made  better  by  the  scene,  and  yet 
vastly  superior  are  the  pleasures  of  watching  the 
declining  years,  and  soothing  the  latest  sorrows 
of  an  affectionate  parent. 

Those  laws,  which  govern  the  human  mind, 
inspire  the  weary  traveller  with,  at  least,  a mo- 
mentary affection  for  the  solitary  rock  beneath 
whose  shelving  brow,  he  found  a timely  shelter 
from  the  scorching  sun  or  the  howling  tempest. 
The  shipwrecked  mariner  regards  with  grateful 
emotion,  the  plank  or  spar  on  which  he  floated, 
to  even  an  inhospitable  shore;  and  these  affec- 
tions of  the  human  mind,  are  not  only  viewed 
as  innocent,  but  also  as  amiable,  as  honorable  to 
their  possessor,  and  as  an  advantage  to  such  as 
may  be  associated  with  them  in  life. 

And,  surely  then,  we  only  act  according  to  the 
voice  of  nature,  in  rendering  to  our  parents  that 
submission  and  affection,  veneration  and  obe- 
dience, enjoined  in  the  text.  The  recollection  of 
a father’s  care,  and  of  a mother’s  fears  and  suf- 
ferings, tears  and  tenderness,  should  never  be 
effaced  from  the  mind;  and  this,  we  imagine,  is 
the  case  universally,  where  men  are  true  to 
nature.  Age  may  bring  its  long  train  of  infir- 
mities; disease  may  wither  what  even  age  has 
spared,  and  disappointment  shed  the  gloom  of 


140 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Filial  piety  essential  to  a healthy  state  of  the  moral  powers. 

ruined  hopes  and  blasted  expectations,  over  the 
mere  remains  of  what  was  once  symmetry  of 
form,  and  gracefulness  of  motion.  But  still,  the 
muscle  does  not  cleave  with  greater  tenacity  to 
the  bone,  nor  animated  nature  to  life  itself,  than 
the  affection  of  a child  to  its  parent,  where  no 
vicious  principle,  nor  unfortunate  circumstance 
interposes  to  prevent  it. 

As  it  is,  therefore,  a principle  implanted  in  our 
nature  by  the  hand  of  God,  to  obey  our  parents, 
unless  this  rule  of  conduct,  this  indication  of  the 
Divine  will  be  complied  with,  it  will  follow,  that 
our  whole  moral  constitution  will  be  impaired, and 
its  entire  action  will  become  feeble,  unhealthy, and 
irregular.  It  certainly  will  not  be  denied  that 
there  are  particular  instincts  in  our  nature,  as 
unequivocal  in  their  forms  of  expression,  and  as 
imperative  in  their  authority,  as  any  revealed  or 
special  law,  but  there  is  none  more  truly  sacred, 
and  of  more  generally  acknowledged  power, 
than  the  one  under  consideration.  “ Children 
obey  your  parents,”  is  the  voice  of  nature;  this 
is  nature’s  universal  law.  The  leaf  does  not 
leave  its  native  bough  until  separated  by  violence 
or  disease;  nor  does  the  ripe  fruit  descend  from 
the  stem  that  nourished  it,  until  it  falls  to  perish; 
so  also  the  filial  stream  maintains  its  connection 
with  the  parent  source,  however  humble  the  vale, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


141 


Another  reason.  One  of  law. 

or  rugged  the  mountain  of  its  nativity,  through 
all  its  distant  and  devious  wanderings.  Conform 
to  this  general  rule;  and  while  the  sunshine  of 
prosperity  gilds  your  prospects,  or  the  storms  of 
an  adverse  Providence  howl  round  your  path, 
cleave  to  the  father  who  protected  your  infancy, 
and  to  the  mother  whose  sympathetic  bosom 
nourished  your  tender  form. 

2.  Our  second  reason  is  one  of  law . It  has 
pleased  God  to  give  the  principle  a prominent 
place  in  his  moral  code.  This  is  a command, 
the  first  commandment  with  promise.  The  rela- 
tion in  which  it  stands  to  the  other  branches  of 
the  decalogue,  imply,  at  least,  that  it  is  enforced 
by  the  same  truly  awful  penalties  which  give 
their  sanction  to  the  several  parts  of  that  Divine 
Law.  If,  therefore,  disobedience  to  parents  is 
not  so  great  an  offence  as  blasphemy  or  idolatry, 
it  is,  nevertheless,  a sin  against  the  same  autho- 
rity, and  a violation  of  the  same  general  rule  : 
for  He  who  said,  “ Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name 
of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain,”  Exod.  xx,  7, 
also  said,  “ Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother.” 
Exod.  xx,  12. 

The  import  of  this  rule,  is  readily  perceived 
by  reference  to  the  manner  in  which  it  was  ap- 
plied by  those  persons,  to  whom  it  was  at  first 
given:  and  here  it  will  be  seen  to  have  had  a 


142 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Import  of  this  rule. 

very  broad  and  binding  relation  to  the  juvenile 
population.  It  required  of  children  reverence 
for  their  parents.  Deut.  xxvii,  1 6.  “ Cursed  be 

he  that  sitteth  light  by  his  father  or  his  mother, 
and  all  the  people  shall  say,  Amen/’  And  if  any 
man  had  a stubborn  rebellious  son,  which  would 
not  obey  the  voice  of  his  father  or  the  voice  of 
his  mother,  the  law  provided  that  under  certain 
regulations,  he  should  be  “stoned  to  death.” 
Deut.  xxi,  IS,  21.  It  required  of  children  that 
they  should  receive  and  honor  the  instructions  of 
their  parents.  Prov.  i,  1.  “My  son,  hear  the 
instruction  of  thy  father,  and  forsake  not  the  law 
of  thy  mother.” 

Such  was  the  manner  in  which  this  law  was, 
at  first,  understood  and  administered;  and  what- 
ever there  may  be  of  apparent  severity  in  the 
regulation,  it  was  the  mildest  form  of  law  on  this 
subject,  then  extant  among  men.  And,  although 
there  may  be  some  difference  in  the  mode  of  ad- 
ministering this  law,  regarded  as  a rule  of  moral 
conduct,  in  periods  of  time  remote  from  each 
other,  vet  the  great  principles  to  be  maintained, 
are,  essentially,  the  same  in  all  ages,  and  there- 
fore a conformity  to  the  rule  itself,  is  now,  and 
must  ever  be,  as  much  a matter  of  Divine  re- 
quirement, as  when  at  first  the  Almighty  wrote 
it  on  the  tablet  of  the  human  heart,  or  at  a later 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


143 


Importance  of  maintaining  this  principle. 

period  published  it  amidst  thunder  and  fire,  on 
tables  of  stone. 

The  importance  of  maintaining  this  principle 
of  obedience  to  parents,  in  order  to  secure  the 
ends  of  good  government,  is  a reason  of  suf- 
ficient magnitude  to  secure  for  it  the  prominent 
place  it  occupies  in  the  moral  appointments  of 
heaven.  Because  it  is  manifestly  impossible  to 
afford  any  sufficient  guarantee  of  obedience  to 
the  civil  rulers  of  the  land,  or  the  more  sacred 
institutions  of  religion,  where  the  authority  of 
parents  is  disregarded,  and  this  commandment 
is  set  at  nought.  And  here  it  is  further  to  be 
observed  and  kept  in  mind,  that  the  law  of  God 
contained  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  is  one  com- 
plete whole.  The  duties  of  religion  are  not  pre- 
sented to  man  as  abstract  and  independent  prin- 
ciples, either  of  which  may  be  received  or 
rejected  without  prejudice  to  the  others,  but  as 
having  a natural  affinity  and  sympathy  for  each 
other,  so  that  all  are  received  or  rejected  together. 
Hence  says  the  Apostle,  “ Whosoever  shall  keep 
the  whole  law,  and  yet  offend  in  one  point,  is 
guilty  of  all.”  Jam.  ii,  10, 11.  It  is,  therefore, 
a glaring  absurdity  to  suppose  that  zeal  in  the 
performance  of  some  duties,  will  atone  for  the 
total  or  partial  omission  of  others  equally  of  Di- 
vine appointment.  The  extravagance  is  still 


144 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


A third  reason  is  one  of  example. 

greater  if  we  hope  by  ardor  in  maintaining  the 
institutions  of  men,  to  exonerate  ourselves  from 
observing  the  commandments  of  God.  This, 
however,  was  the  great  error  of  the  Jews,  so 
pointedly  rebuked  by  our  Lord.  Matt.  xv.  1 — 6. 

This,  then,  is  our  second  reason  for  the  duty 
under  consideration.  It  is  commanded  in  the 
law  of  God;  and  no  obedience  to  that  law  is,  or 
in  the  nature  of  things  can  be,  acceptable  to  its 
author  which  does  not  embrace  this  principle. 
The  reasonableness  of  this  view  of  the  subject 
will  readily  appear,  when  we  recur  to  the  fact, 
that  this  principle  lies  at  the  foundation  of  all 
civil  order  and  rational  or  scriptural  piety.  1 
Tim.  v,  4—8. 

3.  Our  third  reason  is  one  of  precedent  or 
example.  The  example  of  such  as  have  been 
distinguished  either  for  their  attention  to,  or  their 
habitual  neglect  of  this  important  duty — 

First,  we  may  advert  to  a few  prominent 
cases  in  sacred  history,  of  persons  who  have 
manifested  a becoming  attention  to  this  branch 
of  moral  duty;  it  entered  deeply  into  their  feel- 
ings, and  was  honorably  conspicuous  in  their 
lives. 

There  is  the  history  of  Shem  and  Japhet,  than 
which  a more  deeply  affecting  expression  of 
filial  love  and  veneration  can  scarcely  be  con- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


145 


Case  of  Joseph.  The  Rechabites. 

ceived.  They  knew,  and  still  endeavored  not 
to  know,  and  even  to  hide  from  themselves,  the 
folly  of  their  incautious  parent;  they  would  not 
see  lest  they  should  be  witnesses  of  his  crime. 

There  is  the  case  of  Joseph,  who  when  he 
was  raised  to  affluence  and  power  in  Egypt,  did 
not  forget  the  sheep-cotes  of  Hebron,  and  the 
tender  expressions  of  parental  kindness  he  there 
received;  but  exerted  himself  to  the  utmost  of 
his  ability  for  the  relief  and  comfort  of  his 
father’s  house.  And  certainly  he  never  appear- 
ed to  as  much  advantage  even  when  riding  in 
princely  grandeur,  and  only  second  to  Pharaoh, 
as  he  did  when  weeping  on  the  neck  of  his 
venerable  father.  Gen.  xlvi,  29 — 30. 

We  have  another  interesting  case  in  the 
descendants  of  Jonadab  the  son  of  Rechab,  Jer. 
xxxv,  8.  “ Because  ye  have  obeyed  the  com- 

mandment of  Jonadab,  your  father,  and  kept  all 
his  precepts,  and  done  according  to  all  that  he 
hath  commanded  yon,  therefore,  thus  saith  the 
Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  Jonadab  the  son 
of  Rechab,  shall  not  want  a man  to  stand  before 
me  forever.”  Verse  18—19. 

On  all  these  cases  the  special  blessing  of 
Almighty  God  descended;  he  was  particularly 
mindful  of  them  both  in  their  temporal  and 
spiritual  interests.  And  he  has  embalmed  their 
13 


146 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Case  of  Ham.  Absalom. 

memory  with  his  special  blessing,  and  set  them 
forth  as  an  example  to  the  children  of  all  suc- 
ceeding generations. 

On  the  other  hand,  we  have  the  example  of 
those  who  have  pursued  an  opposite  line  of 
conduct,  and  in  every  instance,  with  the  most 
unhappy  results.  Such  was  the  case  of  Ham 
who  mocked  at  the  folly  of  his  father,  and  fell 
under  the  displeasure  of  God.  Gen.  ix.  Such 
were  the  sons  of  Eli,  who  would  not  be  restrain- 
ed, by  the  too  lenient  discipline  of  their  parent 
but  wickedly  sinned  against  the  Lord,  who 
caused  them  to  be  slain  by  the  sword  of  the 
Philistines.  1 Sam.  iv,  17.  The  history  of 
Absalom  furnishes  another  instance  not  less 
striking — who  after  having  stolen  the  hearts  of 
the  people,  rebelled  against  his  father,  and  was 
cut  off  from  the  earth  by  the  righteous  provi- 
dence of  God,  even  in  opposition  to  the  tears, 
entreaties  and  merciful  intentions  of  his  own 
parent.  2 Sam.  xviii. 

Thus  we  have  two  classes  of  characters  for 
the  illustration  of  our  subject,  and  they  are  of 
immense  moment,  as  they  show  the  importance 
attached  to  the  faithful  performance  of  this  duty 
by  Almighty  God.  In  the  one  is  exhibited  the 
advantages  of  filial  piety,  in  the  other,  the 
awful  consequences  attendant  on  the  violation 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


147 


Another  reason  is  one  of  promise. 

of  this  duty.  We  have  only  then,  to  determine 
which  class  of  examples  we  will  imitate,  and 
then  we  may  easily  anticipate  our  doom. 

4.  But  we  enforce  the  subject  by  reference  to 
the  promise.  This  is  the  commandment  with 
promise.  This,  as  originally  expressed,  stood 
thus:  “ That  thy  days  may  be  long  in  the  land, 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee.”  In  this 
form  the  promise  was  specially  adapted  to  the 
Jews.  The  land  of  Canaan  was  then  before  them; 
God  had  promised  to  put  them  in  possession  of 
it,  but  the  continuance  of  that  possession  was 
annexed  to  the  faithful  performance  of  this  duty. 
The  spirit  of  the  promise,  therefore,  is,  “ that 
thou  mayst  live  and  prosper  in  the  world.” 

The  duty  is,  therefore,  commended  to  our 
consciences  by  arguments  not  less  cogent,  than 
those  by  which  it  was  primarily  delivered  to  the 
believing  Hebrews,  “That  it  may  be  well  with 
thee,  and  that  thou  mayst  prosper,  enjoying  both 
the  favor  of  God  and  of  good  men.”  Such  is  the 
nature  of  this  duty,  that  when  it  is  properly  per- 
formed, it  will  almost  uniformly  lead  to  va  uable 
results;  for  the  relation  in  which  it  stands  to 
other  duties  of  moral  import,  makes  it  a strong 
guarantee  of  uprightness  and  general  propriety 
of  behaviour.  And  hence  there  is  scarcely  one 
case  in  a thousand,  where  a ready  and  cheerful 


148 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Import  of  the  promise.  Relation  to  children. 

compliance  with  this  rule  of  conduct — an  affec- 
tionate submission  to  parental  authority — being 
understood,  will  not  lead  to  respectability  of 
standing  in  society,  and  perhaps  to  wealth. 
Such  is  the  bearing  of  this  principle  on  the  tem- 
poral interests  of  men,  and  such  the  estimation 
in  which  it  is  held,  even  amidst  the  hurry,  con- 
fusion, fraud,  and  speculation  of  the  great  busi- 
ness world. 

And  further,  it  is  also  to  be  kept  in  mind,  that 
this  principle  is  easily  engrafted  on  the  growing 
interests  of  a rising  family;  we  may  readily  im- 
plant and  cultivate,  in  our  own  children,  those 
sentiments  which  are  prominent  and  active  in 
our  own  feelings  and  conduct.  They  are  natu- 
rally inclined  to  imitate  our  example,  and,  there- 
fore, if  persons  growing  up  to  years  of  accoun- 
tability, cultivate  a recklessness  of  law  and 
authority,  disobedience  to  parents,  a want  of  re- 
verence and  of  affection  for  them,  it  will  frequent- 
ly turn  up  that  their  own  children,  in  their  turn, 
as  if  impelled  by  some  awful  principle  of  right- 
eous retribution,  will  adopt  the  same  pernicious 
course,  and  by  their  ingratitude  and  disobedience, 
teach 

“ How  sharper  than  a serpent’s  tooth  it  is 

To  have  a thankless  child.” 

“ Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother,  that  it  may 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


149 


Benefits  of  cheerful  obedience. 

be  well  with  thee  in  thy  reputation,  in  thy  family 
circle,  as  to  thy  wife  and  childreji,  and  that  thou 
mayst  live  long  on  the  earth.”  The  connection 
between  a virtuous  life  and  length  of  days,  is 
natural,  and  of  Divine  appointment.  We  admit 
that  it  is  only  a general  rule,  but  still  it  is  a rule 
upheld  and  maintained  by  the  watchful  provi- 
dence of  Almighty  God.  But,  what  form  of  vir- 
tue can  be  more  conducive  to  this  end,  than  the 
one  inculcated  in  this  discourse?  Obedience  to 
your  parents  will  preserve  you  from  places  of 
evil  resort,  and  from  amusements  of  prodigal  and 
dangerous  tendency;  it  will  defend  you  against 
dishonorable  and  vitiating  associations,  which 
endanger  life,  and  wither  reputation;  it  will  in- 
vest you  with  the  advantages  of  their  wisdom 
and  experience,  and  throw  over  you  the  protec- 
tion of  their  character  and  influence;  it  will  de- 
fend you  against  a thousand  snares  and  tempta- 
tions, otherwise  unavoidable;  it  will  fix  deep 
and  lasting  in  your  moral  constitution,  a fitness 
for  other  still  greater  and  more  celestial  excellen- 
cies; it  will  afford  you  an  argument  of  peculiar 
power  in  maintaining  moral  discipline  over  your 
own  children,  when  you  shall  become  a parent; 
it  will  ensure  to  you  the  friendship  of  good  men, 
who  will  love  you,  if  for  no  other  reason,  yet 
because  you  loved  your  parents.  And,  above  all, 
13* 


150 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Obey  in  your  matrimonial  arrangements. 

it  will  secure  to  you  the  special  benediction  of 
Almighty  God,  who  will  guide  you  by  his  coun- 
sel, and  at  last  receive  you  to  glory. 

Such  are  the  arguments  that  enforce  this  most 
obvious  and  important  duty.  If,  therefore,  you 
would  follow  the  dictates  of  nature,  honor  the 
law  of  God,  imitate  the  best  examples,  and 
inherit  the  most  precious  promises;  then  obey 
your  parents,  for  this  is  the  will  of  God,  and  this 
the  first  commandment  with  promise.  In  con- 
clusion, children  obey  your  parents  in  all  things 
involving  no  violation  of  the  law  of  God. 

Obey  your  parents  in  the  formation  of  your 
matrimonial  connections,  so  far  as  is  consistent 
with  a good  conscience.  Marriage  is  an  event 
which  takes  place  at  a period  in  life,  when 
children  are  supposed  to  be  capable  of  acting 
for  themselves,  and  in  which  they  are  held  re- 
sponsible for  their  own  conduct  both  by  God 
and  man.  It  is,  therefore,  perfectly  clear,  that 
parents  are  not  to  exact  a blind  and  implicit 
obedience  here,  or  force  or  bribe  them  into  a re- 
luctant union  with  any  person  for  whom  they 
have  not  suitable  affection.  In  this,  as  in  all 
other  questions  that  involve  principles  of  moral 
or  religious  import,  parents  may  and  ought  to 
act  the  part  of  prompt  and  affectionate  advisers; 
but  inasmuch  as  children,  in  an  affair  of  this 


« 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE.  151 

Reasons  for  obedience. 

kind,  act  for  themselves,  and  they  alone  are  re- 
sponsible, the  adoption  of  coercive  measures  is 
unreasonable,  unnatural  and  cruel. 

But,  at  the  same  time,  the  superior  advantages 
of  parents  in  point  of  age,  experience  and  infor- 
mation, is  a sufficient  reason  why  their  children 
should  not  only  consult  their  judgment,  but  also 
respect  their  wishes  on  a subject  of  so  much  im- 
portance. Children  ought  to  consider  that,  their 
parents  have  better  opportunities  to  know  the 
world,  and  to  discern  and  discriminate  character 
than  themselves,  and  that  they  can  in  most  cases 
appreciate  more  accurately,  the  bearing  which 
matrimonial  connections  will  have  upon  their 
future  condition,  whether  considered  in  a civil, 
social  or  religious  point  of  view.  And,  again, 
they  ought  not  to  forget,  that  they  may  need  the 
counsel  or  assistance  of  their  parents  in  perform- 
ing the  duties,  or  bearing  the  ills  of  life,  and  that 
for  this  reason,  if  no  other,  they  should  conform 
to  their  wishes,  as  far  as  they  possibly  can  with 
a good  conscience,  in  the  subject  now  before  us. 
In  conclusion,  we  may  refer  to  the  fact,  that  it 
was  one  of  the  leading  misfortunes  in  the  life  of 
Esau,  that  he  took  a wife  in  opposition  to  the 
wishes  and  in  violation  of  the  feelings  of  his 
parents.  Gen.  xxvi,  34 — 35.  See  also  the  case 
of  Sampson.  Judges  xiv,  1 — 3. 


152 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


In  the  selection  of  your  society. 

Obey  your  parents  in  the  prosecution  of  your 
business . Let  it  be  a rule  of  your  life  to  do 
what  they  command,  and  as  they  direct  you. 
Cultivate  the  habit  of  consulting  their  experience, 
and  of  honoring  their  judgment;  and  even  when 
separated  from  them  and  engaged  in  business  on 
your  own  responsibility,  never  seek  an  occasion 
to  dissent  from  them,  either  in  opinion  or  prac- 
tice, but  if  absolutely  necessary,  in  any  case  that 
you  should  do  so,  let  it  be  with  that  affectionate 
diffidence,  which  will  show  how  deeply  you 
reverence  and  tenderly  you  love  them.  Imitate 
their  industry  and  frugality,  their  fidelity  in 
meeting  their  engagements,  and  generosity  in 
relieving  the  distressed.  This  you  will  find  to 
be  in  most  cases  a safe  and  direct  way  if  not  to 
wealth,  yet  to  honor  and  respectability,  with  all 
truly  great  and  good  men. 

Obey  your  parents  in  the  selection  of  your 
society.  Nothing  gives  affectionate  and  thought- 
ful parents  greater  concern  than  what  society 
their  children  prefer,  and  in  nothing  are  children 
more  generally  prone  to  pursue  their  own  way, 
however  rash  or  perilous.  Instead  of  submitting 
to  be  governed  in  this  particular  by  the  counsel 
of  their  seniors,  children  too  generally  take 
the  course  which  seems  right  in  their  own  eyes, 
although  that  way  terminate  in  infamy,  sor- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


153 


Particular  caution. 


row  and  death.  Of  this  principle  in  its  prac- 
tical developments  and  pernicious  results,  we 
have  a striking  picture  in  the  parable  of  the  pro- 
digal son,  Luke  xv,  11 — 32.  This  piece  of  in- 
struction deserves  to  be  carefully  read  and 
studied  by  every  young  man,  as  affording  the 
true  origin  of  much  of  the  prodigality  and  vice, 
folly  and  ruin,  now  so  prevalent  in  the  world. 

“ Down  the  smooth  stream  of  life  the  stripling  darts, 

Gay  as  the  morn  ; bright  glows  the  vernal  sky, 

Hope  swells  his  sails,  and  passion  steers  his  course. 

Safe  glides  his  little  bark  along  the  shore 
Where  virtue  takes  her  stand  : but  if  too  far — 

He  launches  forth  beyond  discretion’s  mark, 

Sudden  the  tempest  scowls,  the  surges  roar, 

Blot  his  fair  days,  and  plunge  him  in  the  deep.” 

If  you  would  avoid  such  a termination  of  your 
career  attend  to  the  following  particulars.  Never 
appropriate  to  your  companions  or  to  pleasure, 
the  time  needed  and  intended  for  business.  Have 
the  fortitude  to  tell  them,  when  solicited  so  to  do, 
that  it  is  contrary  to  your  sense  of  propriety, 
and  that  you  regard  it  as  a violation  of  obliga- 
tion, as  prejudicial  to  your  character,  and  to  the 
interests  of  your  parents. 

Hold  such  persons  in  the  deepest  abhorrence 
and  detestation,  as  would  insinuate  that  you  are 
held  in  dishonorable  bondage  by  your  parents, 
and  that  it  is  unworthy  of  a young  man  of  your 


154 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Evil  of  late  hours. 

years,  and  prospects,  to  be  imprisoned  in  a 
counting  house,  or  to  be  a mere  cultivator  of  the 
soil.  Regard  such  a person  as  a common  foe, 
both  to  yourself,  and  your  parents.  Settle  it  in 
your  mind  as  an  indisputable  fact  that  he  is  not 
only  without  any  correct  principle  himself,  but 
that  he  also  designs  to  reduce  you  to  his  own 
infamous  level.  “My  son,  if  sinners  entice  thee , 
consent  thou  not;  if  they  say,  come  with  us,  let 
us  lie  in  wait  for  blood,  let  us  lurk  privily  for 
the  innocent  without  cause;  let  us  swallow  them 
up  alive  as  the  grave;  and  whole  as  those  that 
go  down  into  the  pit:  we  shall  find  all  precious 
substance,  we  shall  fill  our  houses  with  spoil; 
cast  in  thy  lot  with  us,  let  us  all  have  one  purse: 
my  son  walk  not  thou  in  the  way  with  them, 
refrain  thy  foot  from  their  path;  for  their  feet 
run  to  evil,  and  make  haste  to  shed  blood;  surely 
in  vain  the  net  is  spread  in  the  sight  of  any  bird.” 
Prov.  i,  10—17. 

Carefully  avoid  irregularity  in  your  hours;  do 
not  give  your  parents  needless  pain  and  anxiety, 
by  absenting  yourself  from  home,  under  such 
circumstances  as  at  least  render  your  conduct 
suspicious;  bear  in  mind  that  it  is  generally  un- 
derstood that  they  who  keep  late  hours,  do  also 
keep  exceptionable  society;  and  that  instances 
are  very  rare  in  which  any  person  can  preserve 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


155 


Conclusion. 


a fair  reputation  through  any  length  of  time  in 
the  violation  of  this  rule ; and  be  well  assured 
that  you  will  not  find  it  less  difficult  than  others. 
Your  parents  at  least  will,  and,  indeed,  ought 
naturally  to  fear  for  your  safety  under  such  cir- 
cumstances. How  can  they  be  otherwise  than 
alarmed  if  they  care  for  your  souls,  or  even  for 
your  reputation,  when  they  see  you  night  after 
night  going  they  know  not  where,  nor  with 
whom,  and  when  the  secresy  and  mysteriousness 
of  many  of  your  movements  give  them  such 
strong  reason  to  suspect  your  fidelity  and  affec- 
tion to  them.  0 how  often  is  such  a course  the 
commencement  of  a rapid  and  irretrievable  ruin. 
To  enjoy  the  society  of  gay,  vain,  and  graceless 
companions,  the  truth  is  sacrificed,  parents  are 
imposed  upon,  and  perhaps  more  frequently  than 
is  suspected,  fraud  if  not  robbery  is  ventured 
upon  to  sustain  those  youthful  freaks  of  prodi- 
gality and  dissipation,  until  at  last  loathsome 
disease,  or  premature  death,  discloses  the  secret 
history  of  a fallen  son,  or  a ruined  daughter:  and 
0 what  a scene  is  there?  Who  can  tell  the  un- 
utterable grief  of  those  heart  broken  parents? 
In  a sense,  most  awfully  true,  they  sorrow  as 
those  without  hope,  over  the  unchangeable  fate 
of  their  froward  child,  whose  course  of  life  and 


156 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Conclusion. 

untimely  death  only  too  clearly  intimate  the  un- 
dying anguish  of  his  ruined  soul. 

Children  obey  you  parents  in  all  things  in 
subordination  to  the  will  of  God,  so  shall  it  be 
well  with  you,  and  you  shall  live  long  on  the 
earth.  The  approbation  of  your  friends  and 
even  the  respect  of  your  enemies,  and  above  all 
the  blessing  of  God  will  be  the  lot  of  your  in- 
heritance, and  the  portion  of  your  cup  forever. 
Life  with  you  will  be  happy,  and  death  if  not 
triumphant  will  be  tranquil;  and  you  shall  enjoy 
the  blessedness  of  those  who,  having  done  his 
commandments,  have  a right  to  the  tree  of  life, 
and  enter  through  the  gates  into  the  city  of  God. 


DISCOURSE  IY. 


FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Joshua  xxiv,  15.  M But  as  for  me  and  my  house  we  will 
serve  the  Lord.” 

The  design  of  this  discourse,  is  to  explain  and 
enforce  the  duty  of  family  religion.  A subject 
of  vast  moment,  and  one  that  is  perhaps  as  dis- 
tinctly referred  to,  and  forcibly  recommended,  in 
these  words,  as  in  any  other  portion  of  the 
sacred  volume.  Joshua  was  a person  of  high 
and  influential  standing  in  the  Israelitish  church, 
and  certainly  is  one  of  the  most  unexceptionable 
characters  on  the  page  of  history.  From  a very 
early  period  in  life  to  a good  old  age,  he  main- 
tained a uniform  and  onward  course  in  the  paths 
of  righteousness.  No  difficulty  discouraged  him, 
nor  did  any  temptation  lead  him  astray.  The 
fear  of  man  was  no  snare  to  him  in  his  private 
capacity;  nor  did  the  love  of  gain  nor  the  hope  of 
praise,  in  his  official  relations,  ever  induce  him 
to  violate  his  obligations  to  God  or  man.  It 
was  his  peculiar  glory  and  is  his  imperishable 
fame  that  he  (i followed  the  Lord fully 
14 


153 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Nature  of  family  worship. 

His  example,  therefore,  comes  before  us  with 
very  strong  circumstances  of  commendation. 
The  time  when  he  made  the  declaration,  the 
particular  incidents  of  the  occasion,  the  influ- 
ence it  was  manifestly  intended  to  have  over 
the  minds  of  others,  as  well  as  its  personal  cha- 
racter, and  general  import,  are  all  considerations 
of  moment,  on  which  we  might  dwell  with  inte- 
rest and  profit;  but  our  special  object,  as  already 
stated,  is  to  contemplate  these  words  as  they  sug- 
gest the  particular  and  very  important  duty  of 
family  religion.  We  shall,  therefore,  consider 

I.  The  nature  of  this  duty. 

By  family  religion,  we  mean  nothing  more  nor 
less  than  the  regular  and  stated  worship  of  God 
performed  in  our  family  capacity:  and  that  it 
make  an  integral  part  of  the  domestic  govern- 
ment; be  appointed,  upheld,  and  superintended 
by  the  head  of  the  family;  and  be  sustained  by  a 
corresponding  course  of  life.  To  be  more  parti- 
cular, we  may  remark,  that  this  is  family  wor- 
ship, and  that  it  embraces  all  that  is  essential  to 
worship  under  any  of  the  circumstances  of  our 
earthly  existence.  The  same  sacred  regard  for 
the  majesty  and  greatness  of  God,  the  same  gra- 
titude for  his  benefits,  the  same  humbling  views 
of  our  own  sinfulness,  penitential  confessions  and 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


159 


Should  be  instructive  and  humble. 

humble  supplication  to  the  Most  High.  It  is 
worship  in  the  true  Scriptural  sense  of  that  word; 
worship  offered  up  to  God  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 
Our  temporal  affairs  are  not  to  secularise  our 
religion,  but  our  family  piety  is  to  enlighten  and 
sanctify  all  our  temporal  arrangements.  Reli- 
gion is  to  pervade  and  give  character  to  every 
feature  and  bearing  of  the  domestic  constitution, 
and  so  to  control  and  hallow  even  our  household 
regulations,  as  to  constitute  them  always  the 
sanctuary  of  virtue,  and  occasionally,  at  least, 
as  the  house  of  God,  and  the  gate  of  heaven. 

The  worship  of  God  in  our  families  ought  to 
be  instructive.  And  it  should  tend  to  enlighten 
and  direct  the  minds  of  all  under  our  care,  to  the 
things  of  God  and  religion.  And  therefore,  it 
should  comprehend  the  reading  of  the  sacred 
Scriptures.  Thus  God  appointed  of  old.  (See 
Deut.  vi,  6 — 9.)  “ And  these  words  which  I 

command  thee  this  day,  shall  be  in  thine  heart, 
and  thou  shalt  teach  them  diligently  unto  thy 
children,  and  shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou  sit- 
test  in  thine  house,  and  when  thou  walkest  by 
the  way,  and  when  thou  liest  down,  and  when 
thou  risest  up,  and  thou  shalt  bind  them  for  a 
sign  upon  thine  hand,  and  they  shall  be  as  front- 
lets  between  thine  eyes,  and  thou  shalt  write 
them  upon  the  posts  of  thy  house,  and  on  thy 


160 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Humble  and  penitent. 

gates.”  In  conformity  to  this  rule  of  reason  and 
religion,  Timothy  received  his  instructions  in  the 
family  circle,  and  thus  from  a child,  knew  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  which  were  “ able  to  make  him 
wise  unto  salvation,  through  faith,  which  is  in 
Christ  Jesus.”  2 Tim.  iii,  15. 

The  worship  should  be  humble  and  penitent. 
The  recollection  of  former  sins,  even  when  we 
are  conscious  of  present  pardon,  and  acceptance 
with  God,  is  sufficient  to  sink  us  into  the  deepest 
dust  of  self-abasement.  But  in  addition  to  this 
consideration,  every  family  will  find,  within  the 
circle  of  its  own  experience,  without  the  toil  of 
a laborious  investigation,  ample  reason  to  say, 
66  It  is  of  the  Lord’s  mercy  that  we  are  not  con- 
sumed.” If,  indeed,  parents  have  no  special 
cause  arising  from  a consciousness  of  their  own 
aberrations  from  the  path  of  duty;  yet  the  irre- 
gularities of  their  children,  their  omissions  of 
duty  or  actual  commission  of  crime,  is  a sufficient 
reason  why  they  should  present  unto  God  the 
sacrifice  of  a broken  spirit  and  a contrite  heart, 
and  should  say  unto  God,  “ Lord,  enter  not  into 
judgment  with  thy  servant,  for  in  thy  sight  shall 
no  flesh  be  justified.  But  there  is  forgiveness 
with  thee,  that  thou  mayst  be  feared.”  Such 
was  the  pious  practice  of  the  primitive  saints  of 
God,  of  which  the  history  of  Job  affords  a stri~ 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


161 


Family  worship  should  be  grateful. 

king  instance.  “ And  his  sons  went  and  feasted 
in  their  houses,  every  one  his  day,  and  sent  and 
called  for  their  three  sisters  to  eat  and  drink  with 
them.  And  it  was  so,  when  the  days  of  their 
feasting  were  gone  about,  that  Job  sent  and 
sanctified  them,  and  rose  up  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  offered  burnt  offerings  according  to  the 
number  of  them  all;  for  Job  said,  it  may  be 
that  my  sons  have  sinned,  (have  done  or  spoken 
something  unbecoming  religion,)  and  cursed  God 
in  their  hearts.  Thus  did  Job  continually.” 
Job,  i,  4,  5.  How  worthy  the  imitation  of 
Christian  parents,  was  the  practice  of  this  ancient 
saint  of  God. 

This  worship  ought  to  be  grateful . Hymns 
of  praise  to  God  are  strictly  appropriate  as  a 
part  of  family  worship.  The  recollection  of  past 
mercies,  whether  received  in  the  form  of  an  ex- 
emption from  general  calamities,  or  in  the  be- 
stowment  of  positive  good,  call  for  a devout  and 
grateful  acknowledgment.  The  blessing  of 
health,  of  food  to  eat,  and  raiment  to  put  on,  of 
home  and  all  its  endearments,  the  general  opera- 
tions of  God’s  righteous  providence,  and  the  still 
more  wonderful  dispensation  of  His  grace,  all 
present  reasons  why  the  voice  of  rejoicing  and 
salvation  should  be  heard  in  the  tabernacle  of 
the  righteous. 


14* 


162 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


It  should  be  regular,  not  occasional. 

«/? gain,  family  worship  ought  to  be  regular , 
and  not  merely  occasional.  It  should  not  be  the 
result  of  particular  associations  or  circumstances, 
as  a tribute  of  respect  to  some  minister  of  Christ, 
or  pious  friend,  who  may  visit  your  family. 
Neither  let  it  be  confined  to  times  of  general  ca- 
lamity, as  when  the  Divine  judgments  are  abroad 
in  the  earth,  or  seasons  of  personal  or  family 
affliction.  Nor  yet  should  it  be  peculiar  to  times 
of  unusual  excitement  in  the  church  of  Christ. 
If  the  worship  of  God,  as  performed  in  your 
family,  depend  on  the  existence  of  such  causes, 
it  will  not  only  pass  away  like  the  morning 
cloud,  and  like  the  early  dew,  but  will  also  exert 
a most  pernicious  influence  on  the  minds  and 
moral  habits  of  your  children.  It  will  naturally 
tend  to  destroy  their  confidence  in  the  genuine- 
ness of  your  piety,  and  strongly  to  alienate  their 
hearts  and  minds  from  the  fear  and  service  of 
God.  Let  them  see  that  your  family  worship  is 
the  result  of  conviction,  that  it  springs  from  prin- 
ciples deeply  implanted  in  your  mind,  that  it  is 
performed  from  a sense  of  duty  to  God,  and  a 
pious  solicitude  for  the  salvation  of  your  own 
soul,  as  well  as  those  of  your  family  Thus  un- 
derstood, it  will  be  mighty  to  restrain  them  from 
evil,  and  to  nurture  in  their  hearts  the  seeds  of 
every  virtue.  And  it  will  be  on  all  your  family 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


163 


Let  it  be  attended  by  all  the  family. 

arrangements  like  ointment  poured  forth;  like 
the  precious  ointment  upon  the  head,  that  ran 
upon  the  beard,  even  Aaron’s  beard;  that  went 
down  to  the  skirts  of  his  garment ; as  the  dew  of 
Hermon,  and  “ As  the  dew  that  descended  upon 
the  mountains  of  Zion,  for  there  the  Lord  com- 
manded the  blessing,  even  life  evermore.”  Ps. 
cxxxiii,  2,  3. 

In  order  to  be  regular,  the  worship  of  God 
must  be  a part  of  the  family  government . It 
must  be  wrought  into  the  domestic  constitution, 
as  one  of  the  essential  elements  in  its  construc- 
tion, and  thus  it  will  have  its  peculiar  place,  and 
its  appropriate  time,  and,  like  every  other  rule 
of  paramount  importance  to  the  family  prospe- 
rity, it  will  be  scrupulously  observed. 

Again,  let  it  not  be  forgotten,  that  it  \s  family 
worship  of  which  we  speak,  and  therefore  is  not 
merely  to  be  attended  by  a part,  but  by  all  the 
members  of  the  household.  “As  for  me  and 
my  house f said  Joshua,  “ we  will  serve  the 
Lord”  Let  this  be  your  family  motto.  A 
rule  to  which  all  shall  submit  under  your  con- 
trol. Let  your  children  always  be  present  at  the 
offering  of  the  morning  and  evening  sacrifice  of 
praise  and  prayer;  and  if  there  be  servants  or 
domestics,  let  them  also  participate  in  this  de- 
lightful privilege.  For  certainly,  we  ought  to 


164 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


An  interesting-  exhibition  of  character. 

regard  it  as  a privilege  of  immense  value,  to  pray 
with  and  for  our  families.  To  have  the  worship 
of  God  established  beneath  our  own  vine  and 
fig  tree,  where  none  can  hinder  or  make  us 
afraid. 

Surely,  if  there  is  an  interesting  exhibition  of 
human  nature,  under  heaven,  one  on  which  the 
angels  of  God  delight  to  gaze,  and  over  which 
they  exercise  a more  than  ordinary  vigilance,  it 
is  such  a scene  as  this.  It  is  where  a truly  pious 
family  are  assembled  to  offer  unto  God  the  tri- 
bute of  their  heartfelt  and  grateful  thanksgiving. 
Where  the  good  man  of  the  house  gathers  his 
family  around  him;  wife,  children,  and  domes- 
tics, and  reading  to  them,  out  of  the  Word  of  the 
Lord,  directs  their  minds  to  the  truths  of  salva- 
tion. 0 how  interesting,  edifying,  and  instruc- 
tive, is  the  scene  where  a pious  family  elevate 
their  voices  in  hymns  of  praise  to  God,  and  pros- 
trating themselves  at  his  feet,  pour  out  their  souls 
in  humble  prayer  and  supplication  into  his  paren- 
tal bosom.  Here,  indeed,  in  the  associations  of 
the  occasion,  there  is  much  that  is  morally  sub- 
lime and  inspiring.  Who  can  behold,  without 
profit,  the  man  of  God  as  he  leads  the  feebler 
minds  of  his  family  to  the  throne  of  the  heavenly 
grace,  and  by  the  energy  of  his  own  more  ardent 
spirit,  and  the  sympathy  of  his  more  active  faith, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


165 


An  interesting  exhibition  of  character. 

carries  them  into  the  holiest  of  all,  by  the  blood 
of  Jesus.  With  what  unspeakable  solicitude  he 
deprecates  the  wrath  of  the  Almighty,  incurred 
by  the  folly  or  irreligion  of  his  children ; (see 
Job,  i,  5;)  and  implores  the  divine  blessing  and 
protection  for  the  time  to  come.  Do  unavoidable 
circumstances  separate  his  children  from  him  ? 
he  says  with  the  patriarch,  “ 0 that  Ishmael 
might  live  before  thee.”  Gen.  xvii,  18.  Is  he 
called  to  follow  them  to  an  early  or  premature 
grave,  he  exclaims,  “ The  Lord  gave,  and  the 
Lord  hath  taken  away.  Blessed  be  the  name 
of  the  Lord.”  Job,  i,  21.  Here  at  his  family 
altar,  he  humbles  himself,  under  the  mighty  hand 
of  God.  He  asks  “ Shall  we  receive  good  at  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  and  not  evil;  shall  a living 
man  complain,  a man  for  the  punishment  of  his 
sins?”  Here  he  seeks  in  humble  submission  to 
the  will  of  God,  the  blessings  of  the  present  life, 
and  the  more  sacred  and  lasting  enjoyments  of 
communion  with  his  Maker.  His  family  wor- 
ship sanctifies  and  sweetens  his  family  disci- 
pline. It  gives  elevation  to  his  principle,  and 
uniformity  to  his  character.  It  blends  the  enjoy- 
ments of  heaven  with  the  afflictions  of  earth,  and 
gives  fortitude  and  stability  under  the  burdens 
and  tribulations  of  this  life  by  the  anticipated  en- 


166 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Pretext  for  neglect.  Want  of  time. 

joyments  of  that  which  is  to  come.  Let  us  now 
in  the 

II.  Second  place,  point  out  some  of  the  pre- 
texts, under  which  this  duty  is  neglected.  To 
enumerate  all  these,  and  expose  their  fallacy, 
not  to  say  the  criminal  indolence  which  suggests 
them,  would  require  more  time  and  space  than 
we  can  appropriate  to  the  subject.  To  notice 
some  of  the  more  prominent  of  these  pretexts 
may  be  sufficient,  and  we  may 

1.  Instance,  “ want  of  time.”  “ We  have  not 
time,”  say  some,  “to  devote  to  this  exercise,  it  is 
impracticable  for  us  to  attend  to  the  regular 
worship  of  God  in  our  families.”  The  merchant 
pleads,  that  the  customer  is  waiting  at  the 
counter;  the  agriculturalist,  that  the  plough  is 
standing  in  the  furrow  of  the  field;  thus  they 
“all  begin  with  one  consent  to  make  excuse.” 

And  is  it  possible,  that  without  any  scorching 
blush  upon  the  cheek,  or  any  secret  remon- 
strances, or  stingings  of  conscience,  without  any 
painful  apprehension  of  the  Divine  displeasure, 
or  forebodings  of  future  wrath,  that  any  man, 
calling  himself  a Christian,  can  live  in  the 
habitual  neglect  of  this  important  duty,  covered 
only  by  the  flimsy  subterfuge,  just  referred  to. 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


167 


Want  of  suitable  gifts. 

Will  it  answer  a valuable  purpose  for  any 
one  to  say,  at  the  day  of  retribution,  when 
charged  with  having  neglected  the  spiritual  in- 
terest of  his  family,  some  of  whom  may  have 
apostatised  through  his  neglect  of  this  duty,  and 
most  of  whom  peradventure  have  lived  and 
died  in  sin,  through  his  supineness  in  religion  or 
excessive  love  of  earthly  gain;  will  it  answer,  I 
say,  for  any  one  to  plead  in  extenuation  of  his 
sin,  that  in  the  greatness  of  his  solicitude  for  the 
temporal  advancement  and  distinction  of  his 
family,  he  overlooked  their  spiritual  interests, 
and  forgot  their  exposure  to  hell?  Oh,  will  not 
the  eternal  judge  say  to  such  an  one,  “thou 
wicked  and  slothful  servant.^  See  Matt.  xxv. 

2.  Another  ground  of  neglect  or  excuse,  is 
the  want  of  suitable  gifts . Men  admit  the  ob- 
ligation, and  feel  deeply  convinced  of  its  impor- 
tance, and  are  convicted  of  the  neglect  of  their 
duty,  but  still  endeavor  to  excuse  themselves 
for  the  omission  of  it  under  the  pretence  that 
they  have  not  gifts  to  pray;  but  let  it  be  remem- 
bered, that  however  desirable  it  may  be,  to  have 
gifts  of  a superior  order  even  to  prophecy,  these 
are  by  no  means  essential  to  acceptable  devo- 
tion: nor  are  they  the  basis  of  our  obligations. 
We  are  required  to  perform  this  duty  not  as 
men  of  superior  talents,  but  as  men  placed  by 


168 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


No  sufficient  reason  for  neglect. 

the  providence  of  God,  at  the  head  of  our  fami- 
lies. In  this  relation  the  duty  originates,  and 
from  it  is  inseparable.  Whatever  may  be  our 
abilities,  these  we  are  called  upon  to  exercise  in 
our  families,  for  their  moral  and  religious  im- 
provement. 

And  further,  it  is  to  be  observed  that  accord- 
ing to  the  order  of  God,  our  gifts  and  graces 
improve  with  the  regular  and  persevering  per- 
formance of  duty.  This  is  a principle,  which 
we  see  pervading  and  operating  through  the 
whole  economy  of  nature.  We  behold  it  exem- 
plified in  the  growth  and  perfection  of  every 
living  thing.  And  hence  it  is  incorporated  with 
the  moral  administration  of  our  Maker,  as  a 
principle  generally  understood  and  of  acknow- 
ledged efficiency.  And,  therefore,  they  certainly 
are  without  excuse,  who  refuse  to  exercise  even 
very  moderate  gifts  in  the  performance  of  so 
important  a duty,  seeing  that  to  him  that  hath, 
shall  be  given,  and  he  shall  have  abundance. 
The  proper  exercise  of  those  gifts,  however 
limited,  will  not  only  afford  an  increase  of 
personal  comfort  and  relative  usefulness,  but 
also  an  enlargement  of  ability.  See  Matt,  xxv, 
14—30. 

But  who  are  they  that  complain,  that  they 
have  no  ability  for  this  important  branch  of 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


169 


Another  reason  for  this  omission. 

family  duty?  Are  they  persons  without  the 
power  of  ready  utterance?  Listen  to  their  speech 
on  politics,  trade,  or  the  general  operations  of 
business,  and  who  so  fluent  as  they  ? 

Are  they  persons  who  have  no  tact  for  the 
management  of  affairs?  Witness  them  com- 
mence and  consummate  a business  transaction. 
A purchase  or  sale  involving  the  risk  of  a few 
hundred  dollars,  and  what  an  exhibition  of  self- 
possession,  penetration,  and  good  judgment  do 
you  behold!  Take  them  any  where,  and  on 
any  subject  that  commands  the  affections  of 
their  hearts,  and  there  is  a promptness,  propriety 
and  energy  of  action  that  secure  your  highest 
esteem.  And  why  is  it  then  that  they  have  no 
gifts  here?  They  have  no  ability,  because  they 
have  no  heart  to  pray.  Place  them  in  the 
midst  of  motives  and  influences  congenial  with 
their  temperament,  and  they  are  instinct  with 
life  and  feeling,  even  a spark  will  kindle  them 
into  flames,  and  an  opportunity  is  always  a rea- 
son for  action.  These  are  indisputable  facts  and 
hence  arises  the  conclusion,  that  the  cause  of  the 
omission  of  family  religion,  is  the  want  of  a 
spiritual  mind,  a mind  favorably  inclined  to 
devotion. 

3.  Another  reason  assigned  for  the  omission 
of  this  duty,  is  the  want  of  a cheerful  concur - 
15 


170 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Children  and  domestics  are  not  to  regulate  the  family. 

rence  on  the  part  of  your  families.  It  is  urged 
that  children  absent  themselves,  and  that  domes- 
tics will  not  attend;  or  if  they  do,  there  is  such 
a manifest  listlessness  and  want  of  respect  in 
their  whole  demeanor,  that  you  dread  the  hour, 
that  gives  occasion  for  the  mortifying  and 
humiliating  manifestation  of  their  unkindness. 
But  can  this  be  a sufficient  justification  of  any 
one  in  the  neglect  of  this  or  any  other  duty  they 
owe  to  God?  Certainly  no  one  can  indulge  a 
supposition  so  absurd  and  preposterous.  We 
are  not  to  be  deterred  from  the  path  of  obedience 
to  the  Most  High,  because  that  it  is  rendered 
thorny  by  the  insolence  of  servants  or  domestics, 
the  unnatural  insubordination  of  children,  or  the 
opposition  of  well-meaning,  but  mistaken  friends. 
No!  but  if  we  have  difficulties,  and  those  diffi- 
culties increase,  we  must  increase  our  application 
to  overcome  them. 

The  government  of  the  family  is  yours,  and 
as  you  are  supposed  to  have  the  qualifications 
necessary,  God  holds  you  accountable  for  the 
faithful  administration  of  that  government.  He 
looks  to  you,  ye  fathers,  as  the  heads  of  your 
families,  to  secure  to  Him  the  submission  of  all 
under  your  control;  and  to  lay  on  his  altar,  on 
your  own  and  on  their  behalf,  the  morning  and 
evening  oblation  of  praise  and  prayer.  It  is 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


171 


The  head  of  the  family  responsible  to  God. 

not  according  to  his  will,  as  set  forth  in  the 
Scriptures  of  truth,  nor  even  according  to  the 
suggestions  of  reason,  that  your  children  or  do- 
mestics, should  dictate  the  internal  regulations 
of  your  house;  and  much  less  that  they  should 
trammel  your  conscience  in  the  worship  of  God. 
These  arrangements  are  to  be  established  by 
your  own  authority,  according  to  the  Oracles  of 
God ; and  then  it  is  their  place  to  conform,  as 
they  value  a good  conscience,  or  the  favor  of 
the  Most  High.  And  this,  we  apprehend,  will, 
in  most  instances,  be  the  case,  where  the  head  of 
the  family  exhibits  an  example  of  properly 
enlightened,  uniform,  and  consistent  piety.— 
Where  children  are  properly  brought  up,  where 
they  are  taught  to  wear  the  yoke  in  their  youth, 
and  have  their  minds  suitably  impressed  with 
sentiments  of  filial  piety;  there  they  will  most 
certainly  conform  to  the  worship  of  God  at  the 
family  altar,  if  not  from  a just  sense  of  religion, 
yet  from  a proper  regard  to  the  feelings  and  au- 
thority of  their  parents. 

And  as  for  others,  if  they  will  not  conform,  so 
far  at  least  as  to  give  a decent  and  respectful 
attendance,  the  connection  may  be  very  easily 
dissolved,  and  most  certainly  ought  to  be.  If  a 
parent  is  justifiable,  or  rather  to  be  commended, 
for  excluding  from  his  family  a person,  who 


172 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Additional  reasons. 

would  tempt  his  children  to  thwart  him  in  the 
ordinary  affairs  of  life,  to  vex  his  spirit  or  waste 
his  substance,  how  much  more  reasonable  is  it 
that  he  should  do  so  in  the  concerns  of  religion, 
where  the  high  and  holy  interests  of  the  future 
world,  are  all  involved?  Such  were  the  views 
of  the  royal  psalmist.  “ I,”  said  he,  “ will  be- 
have myself  wisely  in  a perfect  way;  I will 
walk  within  my  house  with  a perfect  heart;  I 
will  set  no  wicked  thing  before  mine  eyes;  I hate 
the  work  of  them  that  turn  aside;  it  shall  not 
cleave  to  me,  a froward  heart  shall  depart  from 
me ; I will  not  know  a wicked  person.  Whoso 
privily  slandereth  his  neighbor,  him  will  I cut 
off;  him  that  hath  an  high  look,  and  a proud 
heart,  will  not  I suffer;  mine  eyes  shall  be  upon 
the  faithful  of  the  land,  that  they  may  dwell 
with  me;  he  that  walketh  in  a perfect  way,  he 
shall  serve  me.  He  that  worketh  deceit  shall 
not  dwell  within  my  house ; he  that  telleth  lies 
shall  not  tarry  in  my  sight.”  Psa.  ci.  Such 
are  the  views,  by  which  every  good  man  ought 
to  regulate  his  intercourse  with  his  domestics. 
And  these  measures  once  generally  adopted,  we 
shall  hear  no  more  of  the  difficulty  here  re- 
ferred to. 

In  addition  to  these  more  generally  alleged 
reasons  for  the  neglect  of  this  duty,  we  may  men- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


173 


Extract  from  Dr.  Dwight. 

tion  yet  one  more,  not  so  frequently  adverted  to, 
nor  so  strongly  suspected  as  reprehensible.  It 
is  a difficulty  arising  out  of  our  natural  tempera- 
ment or  constitutional  formation.  The  persons 
now  referred  to,  are  professedly  of  a diffident 
and  hesitating  spirit,  and  have  little  or  no  confi- 
dence in  themselves  on  any  subject,  in  which 
they  have  not  been  regularly  educated,  and  hence 
make  it  a rule  of  life,  never  to  assume  any  re- 
sponsibility from  which  they  can  relieve  them- 
selves. Admitting  the  correctness  of  all  that  is 
said  in  behalf  of  this  class  of  persons,  to  be  indis- 
putable, which,  however,  is  not  always  the  case, 
he  certainly  would  be  a most  daring  casuist  who 
would  venture  to  exonerate,  for  this  reason, 
any  one  from  the  obligation  of  family  worship; 
for,  after  all  that  even  charity  can  hope  or  be- 
lieve, there  is  still  reason  to  fear  in  most  cases  of 
this  description,  some  radical  defect  of  Christian 
experience  or  principle.  And  therefore,  this  is 
very  properly  denominated  an  unhappy  excuse. 
“ I should  feel  myself  bound  to  ask  the  author  of 
it,”  says  Dr.  Dwight,  “ Are  you  too  diffident  to 
perform  your  customary  business  ? Are  you  too 
diffident  to  pursue  your  customary  amusements? 
Are  you  too  diffident  to  commit  sin?  Does 
the  bashfulness  which  hinders  you  from  family 
prayer,  hinder  you  also  from  censuring  and 
15* 


174 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  true  reason  of  this  neglect. 

laughing  at  others  who  practise  it  ? Does  it 
prevent  you  from  using  the  language  of  profane- 
ness ? Why  should  you  be  timid  only  concern- 
ing the  duties  of  religion  ? Is  there  any  thing 
in  the  nature  of  the  subject  which  can  reason- 
ably excite  shame,  or  which  can  fairly  excuse 
you  in  indulging  it  ? Is  it  not  true  that  religion 
itself  is  the  thing  of  which  you  are  ashamed? 
Remember,  I beseech  you,  the  awful  declaration 
of  Christ  concerning  this  subject,  ‘ Whosoever 
shall  be  ashamed  of  me  and  of  my  words,  of  him 
shall  the  son  of  man  be  ashamed  when  he  shall 
come  in  his  glory.’  ” 

But  let  us  not  disguise  the  true  reason  which 
operates  so  extensively  and  powerfully  in  the 
church,  to  the  prejudice  of  this  Christian  duty. 
The  real  cause  of  all  this  delinquency,  is  not  the 
want  of  information,  of  gifts,  or  family  co-opera- 
tion, but  it  is  the  want  of  a suitable  experience 
in  the  things  of  God.  When  the  heart  is  right,  a 
corresponding  rectitude  of  conduct  will  distin- 
guish the  life,  and  vice  versa.  Hence  we  find  as 
a general  rule,  that  those  persons  who  live  in  the 
neglect  of  family  worship,  are  not  less  deficient 
in  other  parts  of  Christian  practice,  where  they 
have  no  promptings  from  fashion,  interest  or  pas- 
sion. That  this  is  true  of  thousands,  will  be  dis- 
puted by  no  one  awake  to  the  present  state  of 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


175 


The  true  reason  of  this  neglect. 

the  church.  But  who  will  give  them  the  timely 
and  needed  warning?  Who  will  lift  up  his  voice 
like  a trumpet,  and  sound  an  alarm  in  God’s 
holy  mountain?  Who  will  show  his  people  their 
transgression,  and  point  them  to  their  sin?  Leav- 
ing this  important  task  to  those  whom  God  may 
raise  up  for  that  purpose,  we  urge  the  inquiry, 
what  will  it  avail  any  man  to  be  a Christian 
merely  in  principle,  in  prejudice,  in  party  feel- 
ing, and  party  enterprise?  We  will  eat  our 
own  bread,  say  they,  and  wear  our  own  appa- 
rel ; we  will  contribute  to  the  advancement  of 
your  secular,  and  even  your  spiritual  pursuits; 
only  let  us  be  called  by  your  name,  to  take  away 
our  reproach.  And  on  these  terms  they  have 
a name — a name  that  they  live;  and  behold  they 
are  dead — dead  in  trespasses  and  in  sins.  And 
hence  they  are  not  properly  identified  with  any 
of  the  proper  movements  of  the  church.  In  her 
temporal  interests  alone,  are  they  seen  or  known, 
while  in  the  spiritual  and  aggressive  movements 
of  the  church  on  the  fashions  of  the  world,  the 
kingdom  of  Satan,  and  the  dominions  of  sin, 
they  evince  all  the  cold  indifference  of  an  alien 
heart.  Such  is  the  character,  most  generally,  of 
those  who  neglect  this  branch  of  Christian  duty. 
And  here  allow  me  to  put  it  to  the  conscience  of 
all  involved  in  this  censure,  to  say,  whether  there 


176 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Tendency  to  advance  personal  improvement. 

is  not  just  reason  to  fear  that  in  that  final  classi- 
fication of  character,  which  will  take  place  at  the 
last  day,  this  inattention  to  duty  will  be  punished 
as  disobedience,  and  this  conformity  to  the  world, 
as  rebellion  against  the  only  begotten  of  the 
Father.  But  we  cannot  pursue  these  reflections 
beyond  this  point.  Let  us  now  turn,  in  the 

III  Place,  To  the  arguments  which  enforce 
the  regular  and  faithful  discharge  of  this  duty. 

1.  Its  tendency  to  advance  'personal  improve- 
ment. The  favor  of  God  once  experienced  in 
the  pardon  of  sin,  is  not  retained  by  the  regular 
performance  of  any  one  or  given  number  of 
Christian  duties,  but  by  the  faithful  discharge  of 
all.  The  Scriptures  of  truth,  and  the  reason  of 
things,  make  it  manifest,  that  permanent  peace 
of  mind,  and  a regular  and  rising  enjoyment  in 
the  things  of  God,  can  only  be  realised  by  follow- 
ing the  Lord  fully.  And,  therefore,  if  we  would 
not  be  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  this  duty  must  be  attended 
to,  in  common  with  all  others,  under  a scrupu- 
lous regard  to  the  will  of  God,  the  best  interests 
of  our  families,  and  the  solemn  realities  of  a fu- 
ture world. 

If  a father  would  warm  his  own  heart  with 
the  fires  of  devotion,  let  them  be  the  fires  that 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


177 


Its  bearing  on  family  reputation. 

burn  on  his  own  family  altar.  Here,  in  the 
midst  of  his  own  domestic  circle,  let  him  wait  on 
God,  and  renew  his  strength;  here,  let  him  draw 
near  to  the  throne  of  heavenly  grace,  and  lead- 
ing his  family  into  the  holiest  by  the  blood 
of  Jesus,  teach  them  both  by  example  and  pre- 
cept, the  power  and  excellency  of  our  holy 
religion. 

2.  We  adduce  another  argument,  enforcing 
this  duty  from  its  bearing  on  family  reputa- 
tion. As  it  gives  the  character  of  religion  to 
the  family  collectively,  as  there  can  be  no  public 
religion  where  there  is  no  open  and  public  wor- 
ship of  God,  so  no  family  can  be  properly  re- 
garded as  religious  collectively,  who  do  not 
regularly  worship  the  Most  High  in  their  family 
capacity.  In  their  individual  relations  they  may 
be  interesting,  amiable,  and  even  useful,  but 
collectively.,  God  is  not  acknowledged  by  them. 
And,  therefore,  in  numbering  the  families  of 
God’s  spiritual  Israel,  whatever  may  be  the 
state  of  their  minds,  you  cannot  embrace  them 
in  the  enumeration,  because  the  blood  of  the 
sacrifice  is  not  sprinkled  upon  the  lintels  and 
posts  of  their  door.  Exodus,  xii,  4 — 7.  And  in 
their  collective  capacity  they  are  not  separated 
to  the  Lord  their  God,  as  a royal  priesthood,  and 
a peculiar  people.  1 Pet.  ii,  9.  As  the  duty 


178 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Its  power  over  the  principles,  &c,  of  children. 

is,  therefore,  essential  to  Christian  character,  it 
is  indispensable. 

Again,  the  importance  of  family  worship  in 
this  respect,  is  seen  in  the  power  it  exerts  over 
the  principles  and  habits  of  the  subordinate 
members  of  the  family.  (1.)  By  giving  them 
habits  of  devotion,  and  the  importance  of  such 
an  influence  properly  directed,  must  be  evident 
to  all,  who  consider  the  force  of  habits  formed 
in  infancy,  or  who  value  the  favor  of  God  and 
the  possession  of  correct  principles.  The  tena- 
city with  which  the  human  mind  adheres  to  any 
particular  course,  rendered  familiar  by  early 
habits,  or  wrought  into  the  mind  by  force  of 
education,  is  a fact  prominently  before  the 
world,  and  exemplified  in  the  experience  of 
every  day.  And  this,  indeed,  is  the  great  reason 
of  any  thing  peculiar  in  the  physical,  intellectual 
or  moral  training  that  considerate  parents  be- 
stow upon  their  children.  (2.)  By  implanting 
and  cultivating  correct  principles.  In  family  wor- 
ship, the  great  leading  doctrines  of  religion  are 
brought  clearly  and  frequently  before  the  mind. 
God  is  reverently  adored  as  the  great  Father  of 
the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  as  the  upholder  of  universal 
existence,  and  the  giver  of  all  that  is  good.  The 
sacrificial  death  of  Christ  is  referred  to  as  the 
only  hope  of  fallen  and  guilty  man.  The  gift 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


179 


It  exemplifies  parental  affection,  &c. 

of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  implored  to  aid  our  infirmi- 
ties, to  enlighten,  sanctify  and  seal  us,  to  the  day 
of  redemption.  The  wrath  of  God  is  deprecated, 
as  the  heaviest  calamity,  that  can  befall  us  in 
this  world,  or  that  which  is  to  come.  And  here 
the  pleasures  of  heaven  are  anticipated,  with 
joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.  And  can 
any  one  suppose,  for  a moment,  that  this  expres- 
sion of  sentiment,  illustrated  and  sustained  by  a 
corresponding  course  of  life,  will  have  no  power 
in  forming  the  creed  or  fixing  the  religious  prin- 
ciples of  our  children?  Certainly  not;  it  is 
morally  impossible.  (3.)  By  exemplifying  pa- 
rental affections.  We  do  not  design  to  intimate 
that  those  parents  are  without  affection  for  their 
children,  who  have  no  family  worship.  But 
this  is  certain,  that  they  do  not  give  every  rea- 
sonable and  appropriate  expression  of  that  af- 
fection. In  many  instances,  your  children  might 
say,  “our  parents  educate  us  carefully;  they 
lay  up  for  us  treasure  on  earth,  where  moth  and 
rust  corrupt;  they  give  us  many  and  positive  in- 
structions respecting  our  manners,  our  society, 
and  health;  but  they  never  pray  with  us,  nor 
for  us;  we  have  no  family  allar;  they  care  for 
our  bodies,  but  are  indifferent  to  our  souls;  they 
weep  over  our  sickness,  but  they  smile  at  our 
sins.”  Surely  such  parents  have  not  given 


180 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Collateral  influence  of  family  worship. 

every  suitable  expression  of  their  affection  for 
their  children,  as  rational,  religious  and  immortal 
beings.  (4.)  By  strengthening  parental  authority. 
If  any  thing  can  give  a parent  special  influence 
over  a child,  certainly  a becoming  solicitude  for 
the  salvation  of  his  children  will  have  that  effect. 
When  they  hear  regularly  morning  and  night,  a 
father’s  prayers,  witness  his  tears,  and  behold 
his  patient  and  unwearied  efforts  to  secure  for 
them  the  mercy  and  protection  of  God,  it  is 
highly  improbable  and  unreasonable  that  they 
should  remain  unaffected.  The  circumstance 
that  gives  ministers  of  the  gospel  more  influence 
than  other  men,  in  their  particular  calling,  is 
most  unquestionably  owing  to  the  fact,  that  in 
public  worship  they  lead  the  minds  of  men  to 
God,  to  heaven,  and  eternal  things,  and  by 
parity  of  reason,  the  worship  of  God,  properly 
performed  in  the  domestic  circle,  must  give  the 
head  of  the  family,  if  a consistently  pious  man, 
a wonderful  accession  of  influence,  and  govern- 
ing power,  over  his  house. 

3.  We  may  enforce  this  duty  by  reference  to 
its  collateral  influence.  There  is  a moral  power 
in  good  example,  that  is  not  unfrequently  irre- 
sistible as  light,  and  omnipotent  as  truth  itself; 
even  when  reflected  by  a single  individual  from 
the  humblest  condition  in  life.  And  not  unfre- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


181 


Family  worship  specially  obligatory  on  man. 

quently,  God  is  pleased,  through  this  medium,  to 
shed  the  illumination  of  his  truth,  and  the  power 
of  his  grace,  on  persons  high  and  influential  in 
the  world;  for  he  is  not  dependent  on  outward 
circumstances  for  the  accomplishment  of  His 
will. 

But  the  influence  of  a pious  family,  in  which 
the  worship  of  God  is  regularly  and  faithfully 
performed,  must,  in  the  nature  of  things,  be  infi- 
nitely greater.  It  cannot  be  otherwise  than 
salutary ; with  some  a restraint  from  vice,  with 
others  an  incentive  to  virtue.  It  will  cheer  the 
heart  of  the  faithful  in  the  house  of  their  pilgri- 
mage, and  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish 
men.  A pious  family,  walking  in  the  fear  and 
love  of  God,  keeping  His  commandments,  and 
statutes  to  do  them,  exhibits  to  the  world  in 
miniature,  the  concentrated  excellencies  of  our 
holy  religion.  It  is  fitly  compared  to  a light 
amidst  surrounding  darkness ; and  is  as  the  salt 
of  the  earth.  Here,  then,  we  are  urged  to  the 
faithful  discharge  of  this  duty  from  considera- 
tions of  personal  improvement , the  happiness 
of  our  families,  and  the  good  of  society, 

4.  We  enforce  this  duty  from  a consideration 
of  the  fact,  that  it  is  especially  obligatory  on 
man . 


16 


182 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


A natural  appointment. 

1.  Jis  a natural  appointment  of  God.  Family 
worship  is  not  to  be  regarded  as  a work  of  su- 
pererogation, but  as  an  important  part  of  that 
duty  which  is  appropriate  to  man,  as  the  subject 
of  moral  government  through  every  period  of 
his  earthly  existence.  The  obligation  thus  to 
worship  God,  naturally  arises  out  of  the  relation 
in  which  man  is  placed  to  his  Maker,  and  his 
family,  and  is,  therefore,  universal,  and  inde- 
structible. Nor  can  it  be  dispensed  with,  under 
any  circumstance,  but  is  binding  on  all  men 
through  all  time.  That  God  ought  to  be  wor- 
shipped, and  that  His  worship  ought  to  be  publicly 
performed,  are  self-evident  truths.  And  hence 
men  in  the  earlier  ages  of  the  world,  who  were 
decidedly  pious,  regularly  worshipped  God  in 
their  own  tents.  The  tabernacle  was  their 
church,  and  the  family  circle  a distinct  and  com- 
plete religious  organisation.  The  changes  that 
have  passed  upon  society  by  the  increase  of 
population,  which  has  swelled  families  into  na- 
tions, and  nations  into  vast  multitudes,  by  no 
means  dissolve  this  original  obligation,  or  obvi- 
ate the  necessity  for  this  primary  form  of  religious 
worship.  These  can  only  render  it  more  bind- 
ing, because  the  faithful  performance  of  this 
duty  is  the  more  needed  to  secure  the  ends  of 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


183 


Essential  to  religion. 

good  government  in  the  domestic  circle,  and  in 
the  civil  relations  of  men.  But 

2.  This  duty  is  obligatory  on  man , as  an 
essential  part  of  true  religion  under  every  dispen- 
sation of  grace.  In  the  time  of  the  patriarchs, 
parents  were  not  only  required  to  be  persons 
fearing  God,  and  working  righteousness,  but  re- 
ligion was  also  to  be  a prominent  character  in 
their  household  arrangements.  Thus  the  family 
of  Abraham  was  the  church  of  God.  But  this 
was  not  a solitary  instance;  his  descendants  also 
walked  in  the  observance  of  the  same  pious 
usage.  Such  also  were  the  family  regulations  of 
righteous  Job,  c.  i,  5.  Under  the  Old  Testament 
dispensation,  the  same  principle  was  distinctly 
recognised,  and  is,  if  any  thing,  more  prominent, 
and  not  less  powerful  and  extensive  in  its  opera- 
tion, and  hence  in  all  those  dark  periods  of  na- 
tional dereliction  from  the  religion  of  the  true 
God,  so  common  in  Jewish  history,  the  family 
circle  of  the  pious  few  became  the  asylum  of 
persecuted  truth  and  virtue,  until  the  clouds  of 
superstition  were  dispersed,  and  the  tumult  of 
human  passion  had  subsided;  and  thus,  indeed, 
it  has  been  in  all  those  gloomy  periods  of  perse- 
cution and  tribulation,  through  which  the  church 
of  Christ  has  passed,  downto  the  present  day. 

The  duty  of  family  worship  is  distinctly  re- 


1S4 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  paschal  lamb. 

cognised  in  the  deliverance  of  the  Israelites  from 
their  Egyptian  bondage.  The  blood  of  the  first 
paschal  lamb,  being  sprinkled  on  the  door  posts 
of  every  house,  occupied  by  the  Israelites,  was, 
to  all  intents  and  purposes,  a most  solemn  act  of 
family  worship;  an  expressive  declaration  of 
their  faith,  and  an  effectual  means  of  their  pre- 
servation: and  the  same  principle  is  distinctly 
seen  in  all  the  regulations  of  that  peculiar  people, 
whether  designed  to  govern  them  in  their  duties 
toward  God,  or  in  their  intercourse  with  each 
other.  And  if  the  duty  is  not  formally  enjoined 
on  the  disciples  of  Christ,  in  the  New  Testament 
scriptures,  it  is  because  that  it  is  so  obviously 
and  necessarily  implied  that  habitual  spirituality 
of  mind,  watchfulness  and  devotion,  is  essential  to 
vital  godliness,  as  to  render  a special  command 
unnecessary. 

The  considerations  then  that  it  was  the  earliest 
form  of  public  worship,  that  it  has  been  distinct- 
ly recognised  in  the  religious  institutions  of  the 
Old  Testament  Church,  and  that  it  is  necessarily 
implied  in  the  more  spiritual  dispensation  of  the 
gospel,  present  an  argument  of  peculiar  force, 
sufficient  it  would  seem  to  us  to  move  every 
honest  mind.  If  then  we  regard  our  personal 
improvement,  the  good  of  our  families,  the  inte- 
rests of  society,  and  above  all  the  favor  of  our 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


185 


The  resolution  of  Joshua  was  personal. 

God,  then  let  us  adopt  the  spirited  resolutions  in 
the  text — “ As  for  me,  and  my  house,  we  will 
serve  the  Lord.” 

But  here  let  it  be  remembered,  that  this  is  an 
example  of  personal  religion.  Whatever  is  im- 
plied in  the  service  of  God,  Joshua  was  resolved 
to  perform.  If  there  were  privations,  he  was 
willing  to  endure  them;  and  as  he  hoped  to  in- 
herit the  rewards,  so  he  was  willing  to  endure 
the  tribulations  of  righteousness.  The  import- 
ance of  this  resolution,  under  this  view  must  be 
self-evident  to  all  who  consider  how  our  private 
and  public  character,  our  personal  and  relative 
duties,  do  of  necessity  mutually  influence  each 
other;  hence  no  person  can  be  a good  officer, 
(say  a magistrate,)  who  is  not  a good  citizen,  nor 
can  any  man  be  a good  father,  husband,  or  head 
of  a family,  who  is  not  a good  man.  In  view  of 
this  fact,  we  suppose  that  Joshua  published  the 
resolution  contained  in  the  text. 

Again,  in  this  resolution,  Joshua  pledges  him- 
self for  his  family;  “ as  for  me  and  my  house.” 
It  is  true  that  he  could  not  be  pious  for  them 
any  more  than  for  other  persons.  But  still  he 
could  exercise  the  influence  of  example,  and  the 
restraints  of  authority;  to  direct  them  in  the 
paths  of  righteousness. 

He  would  superintend  the  formation  of  their 
16* 


IS  6 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


He  pledges  himself  for  his  family. 

religious  opinions.  He  would  see  that  they 
should  not  worship  the  gods  whom  their  fathers 
served  on  the  other  side  of  the  flood;  nor  the 
gods  of  the  Amorites,  in  whose  land  they  dwelt; 
but  that  they  should  fear  the  Lord  their  God, 
who  brought  them  out  of  Egypt,  and  fed  them 
all  their  life  long,  and  Him  only. 

He  would  direct  and  restrain  their  intercourse 
with  the  world.  Joshua  knew  well  the  dangers 
as  well  as  the  enjoyments  of  social  life;  and 
hence  he  pledges  himself,  to  afford  his  family 
every  necessary  defence,  against  the  cunning 
craftiness  of  ungodly  men,  who  lie  in  wait  to 
deceive; — he  would  see  that  the  business,  re- 
creations, society,  moral  and  religious  opinions 
of  his  family,  should  not  be  defective,  erroneous 
or  sinful  as  a consequence  of  his  neglect.  To 
prevent  it,  he  will  give  them  the  benefits  of  his 
pious  example,  the  instructions  of  his  wisdom, 
the  defence  of  his  authority,  and  all  that  a pious 
father’s  care  an/1  kindness  could  confer.  This, 
and  even  more,  are  comprehended  in  the  pious 
resolution  of  this  holy  man,  and  it  most  certainly 
has  strong  claims  on  our  imitation. 

As  it  is  the  resolution  of  an  independent 
mind,  “ choose  ye  (said  he)  this  day,  whom  ye 
will  serve,  but  as  for  me,  I do  not  hesitate.  I 
see  my  duty  and  that  is  my  choice,  and  as  for 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


187 


An  independent  mind. 

me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve  the  Lord.” 
Joshua  was  not  a feeble  minded  man,  whose 
religious  opinions  were  dictated  by  the  multi- 
tude, or  took  their  complexion  from  the  spirit  of 
the  times.  He  was  no  visionary  enthusiast,  nor 
dreaming  mystic,  but  a man  of  vast  and  capa- 
cious soul,  whose  naturally  exalted  mind,  had 
been  wonderfully  refined,  expanded  and  ele- 
vated by  the  thrilling  inspirations  of  the  living 
God. 

This  was  the  resolution  of  a pious  mind,  since 
Joshua  was  a man  deeply  experienced  in  the 
things  of  God.  He  was  with  Moses  on  the  Mount; 
he  heard  the  trumpet  and  thunder,  and  saw  the 
lightning,  the  fire,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  on 
Mount  Sinai;  and,  therefore,  his  knowledge  of 
spiritual  things  was  of  a most  exalted  form,  ac- 
quired in  the  very  verge  of  heaven.  And  his 
religious  experience  must,  in  the  nature  of  things, 
have  received  the  highest  polish  the  hand  of  God 
can  impress  on  human  nature.  And  hence  he 
was  the  companion  of  Moses,  while  living,  and 
his  successor  when  dead;  and  hence  he  was  en- 
abled to  maintain  his  religious  career  through  a 
long  life  of  immense  toil  and  peril,  with  even 
increasing  reputation,  and  at  length  to  conclude 
it  with  unclouded  glory.  Thus  the  example  of 
Joshua  was  commended  to  the  conscience  and 


188 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Expostulation. 

sympathies  of  every  pious  Jew;  but  to  us  it 
comes  with  an  accumulation  of  power,  propor- 
tioned to  the  increase  of  our  advantages. 

Without  extending  these  reflections  further, 
we  shall  conclude  with  a few  words  of  expostu- 
lation with  such  as  neglect  this  solemn  duty. 
And  here  we  have  those  who  once  engaged  most 
heartily  in  its  performance;  their  family  altar 
stood  out  prominently  in  their  domestic  arrange- 
ments, and  the  fires  of  a consistent  Scriptural  de- 
votion, were  kept  burning  on  it  continually. 
Morning  and  evening,  the  pious  father  led  his 
family  to  the  foot  of  the  throne,  saying,  “ Come, 
let  us  bow  down  and  worship,  let  us  kneel  before 
the  Lord  our  Maker;  for  we  are  the  sheep  of  his 
pasture,  and  the  people  of  his  care.”  Those 
were  seasons  of  refreshing  from  the  presence  of 
God,  times  never  to  be  forgotten;  when  the  can- 
dle of  the  Lord  burnt  brightly  on  their  head. 
But  these  days,  alas!  are  gone  by.  Weeks, 
months,  and  years,  have  now  passed  away, 
since  you  last  assembled  your  family  for  morn- 
ing or  evening  prayer.  Now  day  and  night  re- 
gularly succeed  each  other  as  formerly,  but 
neither  are  sanctified  by  the  services  of  religion. 
There  is  no  longer  a sacrifice  of  praise,  or  the 
voice  of  supplication.  The  word  of  God  now 
lies  neglected,  your  harp  is  hung  on  the  willows, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


189 


Exhortation. 

and  unfortunately  you  have  resigned  yourself 
an  easy  prey,  if  not  to  the  power  of  Satan,  yet  to 
the  fashions  of  the  world,  and  the  fear  of  man. 

Brethen,  where  will  these  things  end?  Will 
they  not  plant  your  dying  pillow  with  thorns, 
and  make  the  cup  of  death  excessively  bitter 
with  the  wormwood  and  gall  of  an  unavailing  re- 
pentance? Can  you  hope  to  die  in  peace,  with  the 
recollection  of  your  past  unfaithfulnesss  staring 
you  fully  in  the  face  ? How  will  you  assem- 
ble your  children  around  your  dying  couch,  and 
give  them  your  final  charge?  Will  you  then  be 
able  to  say,  “ I have  fought  a good  fight, ” and 
encourage  your  children  to  imitate  your  patient 
faith,  and  cheerful  hope  in  the  work  of  God?  No, 
verily — at  best  you  will  be  dumb,  confused,  and 
condemned.  Awake,  then,  thou  slumbering  spirit, 
and  consider  from  whence  thou  art  fallen.  Re- 
pent, and  do  thy  first  works  over  again.  Rebuild 
thy  family  altar;  assemble  thy  neglected  family, 
and  falling  down  before  the  Lord,  your  Maker, 
offer  unto  Him  a sacrifice  of  a broken  heart;  so 
shall  he  restore  unto  thee  the  joy  of  His  salva- 
tion, and  heal  thy  backslidings,  and  love  thee 
freely. 

2.  We  may  offer  a word  of  exhortation  to 
those  who  have  never  taken  up  this  cross.  You 
have  feared  to  engage  in  this  part  of  your  duty; 


190 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Exhortation- 

Want  of  gifts,  of  grace,  of  confidence,  has  deter- 
red you.  But  remember,  that  more  than  ordi- 
nary gifts  are  not  necessary;  the  sacrifices  of  God 
are  not  sublimity  of  thought,  and  elegance  of 
expression.  The  Almighty  lays  no  stress  on  the 
well-turned  period,  and  the  well-tuned  voice. 
He  “is  a spirit,  and  they  who  worship  Him,  must 
do  it  in  spirit  and  in  truth.”  You  can  draw 
near  to  God  with  an  humble  and  devoted  mind, 
and  this  is  the  all-important  part  of  worship. 
Be  persuaded,  then,  at  once,  without  further 
delay,  to  begin  this  good  work,  and  as  ground  of 
encouragement,  remember,  that  God  has  gra- 
ciously promised  to  increase  your  gifts,  with  the 
exercise  thereof.  Do  what  you  can,  and  God 
will  enable  you  to  do  more.  He  will  propor- 
tion your  strength  to  your  day,  and  you  will  soon 
be  enabled  to  regard  this  duty  as  a privilege. 
The  yoke  will  become  easy,  and  the  burden 
light.  And  at  your  family  altar,  God  will  mani- 
fest himself  unto  you,  even  as  he  does  not  mani- 
fest himself  unto  the  world. 

Consider,  also,  that  family  worship  is  an  essen- 
tial part  of  that  religious  example  and  instruction, 
children  are  entitled  to  expect  at  your  hand. 
And  that  it  will  give  broader  and  deeper  founda- 
tions for  your  authority,  and  greater  efficiency  to 
discipline  in  family  government.  Your  children 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


191 


Conclusion. 

will  not  only  regard  you  as  their  natural  superior 
and  governor, but  also  as  their  religious  instructor 
and  friend.  They  will  admire  your  uniform  and 
fervent  piety,  and  holy  sympathy  for  their  souls. 
And  hence  they  will  love  you  the  more  for  hav- 
ing prayed  with  and  for  them. 

How  unspeakable  is  the  privilege  that  we  may 
thus  enjoy,  of  anticipating  the  blessedness  of  the 
millennial  glory  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  when 
the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  shall  cover  the  whole 
earth  as  the  waters  cover  the  face  of  the  great 
deep.  Already  we  sit  under  our  own  vine  and 
fig  tree,  and  none  can  hinder  or  make  us  afraid. 
We  all  unite  in  singing  one  song  of  salvation  to 
God.  We  unite  in  presenting  the  same  sacrifice 
of  gratitude  and  love,  and  look  forward  with 
transport  to  the  day,  when,  with  all  the  family 
above,  our  redeemed  spirits,  free  from  all  the 
corruption  and  infirmities  of  earth,  shall  rest 
forever  in  the  bosom  of  our  Father  and  God. 


DISCOURSE  V. 


MASTERS  AND  SERVANTS. 

1 Tim.  vi,  1 — 2.  “ Let  as  many  servants  as  are  under  the 

yoke  count  their  own  masters  worthy  of  all  honor,  that  the 
name  of  God  and  his  doctrine  be  not  blasphemed.  And  they 
that  have  believing  masters,  let  them  not  despise  them,  because 
they  are  brethren  ; but  rather  do  them  service,  because  they 
are  faithful  and  beloved,  partakers  of  the  benefit.” 

The  peculiar  habits  of  thought,  which  prevail 
in  our  own  country,  on  all  questions  relating  to 
the  organisation  of  society  and  the  various  modes 
under  which  it  exists,  render  it  expedient,  al- 
though it  may  not  be  strictly  necessary,  to  lay 
down  a few  general  principles  at  the  commence- 
ment of  this  discourse,  which  we  honestly  be- 
lieve to  be  founded  in  correctness,  and  which  we 
therefore  desire  most  sacredly  to  maintain. 

The  principles  referred  to  give  their  distinc- 
tive complexion  to  the  civil  institutions  of  our 
country,  and  we  regard  them  as  being  planted 
in  the  moral  constitution  of  man,  by  the  great 
Author  of  his  being.  To  us  they  appear  to  be 
distinctly  recognised  in  the  whole  scheme  of 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


193 


Introduction. 


God’s  moral  administration,  and  to  give  to 
Christianity  that  peculiar  character  of  bene- 
volence which  changes,  under  its  salutary 
influence,  this  world  of  strife,  anarchy  and  con- 
fusion, into  one  vast  brotherhood. 

The  principles  referred  to  are  these — That  all 
men  do  by  nature  sustain  the  same  relation  to 
God,  whether  they  subsequently  become  mas- 
ters, or  servants;  and  that,  therefore,  by  nature, 
no  man  is  either  a master  or  servant;  there  is 
no  superiority  on  the  one  hand,  nor  inferiority 
on  the  other.  By  nature  they  both  are  equal, 
and  sustain  the  same  relation  to  God,  as  the 
creatures  of  his  mercy  and  care.  That  real 
worth,  or  moral  character,  is  not  to  be  estimated 
by  external  circumstances  of  wealth,  education, 
or  office,  but  by  reference  to  moral  principles 
and  habits  of  life:  and  that,  therefore,  men  are  to 
be  valued,  not  so  much  for  the  places  they 
occupy  in  society,  as  for  the  manner  in  which 
they  discharge  the  duties  of  their  respective 
stations.  This  is  manifestly  the  test  of  character 
with  God,  and  it  ought  to  be  with  men.  This 
will  be  the  rule  of  judgment  in  eternity,  and  it 
ought  to  be  the  great  regulating  maxim  of 
society  in  time. 

With  these  preliminary  reflections,  designed 
to  guard  against  a misapprehension  of  terms 

17 


194 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Who  are  comprehended  in  this  command! 

that  may  be  used,  or  sentiments  that  may  be 
expressed,  in  this  discourse,  we  proceed  to  the 
more  immediate  explanation  of  our  subject,  in 
which  we  propose  to  inquire: 

1st.  Who  are,  comprehended  in  this  com- 
mand? “Let  as  many  servants  as  are  under 
the  yoke,”  &c.  The  principle  is  most  distinctly 
set  forth  in  the  text,  and  indeed  is  insisted  on 
throughout  the  sacred  volume,  that  men  should 
render  to  each  other,  not  only  that  general  re- 
gard which  is  due  from  man  to  man,  viewed  as 
a rational  or  sentient  being — but  also  that  more 
particular  respect  that  is  grounded  on  those  dis- 
tinctions which  seem  inevitably  to  arise,  out  of 
all  regularly  organised,  and  well  established 
governments.  Men  are  to  be  reverenced  for 
their  office,  even  when  we  cannot  esteem  them 
for  their  virtues;  for  the  office  itself  may  be 
valuable,  perhaps  essential  to  the  maintenance 
of  civil  order,  even  when  filled  by  an  incompe- 
tent or  an  unworthy  incumbent.  And,  there- 
fore, every  good  citizen  will,  for  the  time  being, 
render  the  honor  that  is  due  to  office,  although 
that  honor  is  conferred  on  an  unworthy  person. 
He  will  not  violate  his  own  obligations  to  bring 
other  persons  to  a proper  observance  of  theirs, 
but  rendering  to  all  their  dues,  tribute  to  whom 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


195 


Religion  conducive  to  civil  order. 

tribute  is  due,  custom  to  whom  custom,  fear  to 
whom  fear,  honor  to  whom  honor,  he  will  pur- 
sue the  path  of  uprightness,  and  leave  to  the 
slow  but  salutary  provisions  of  the  civil  consti- 
tution, or  the  righteous  providence  of  Almighty 
God,  to  correct  those  evils  which  lie  beyond  his 
individual  right  or  power  to  control.  Hence  we 
read,  let  every  soul  be  subject  unto  the  higher 
powers;  for  there  is  no  power  but  of  God;  the 
powers  that  be  are  ordained  of  God;  “ Whoso- 
ever therefore  resisteth  the  power,  resisteth  the 
ordinance  of  God;  and  they  that  resist  shall 
receive  to  themselves  damnation.”  Romans,  xiii, 
1—2. 

In  the  Christian  religion,  which,  by  the  way, 
is  the  only  reasonable  system  of  religious  and 
moral  truth,  the  only  one  that  subserves  the 
good  of  man  individually  and  in  the  aggregate; 
that  gives  vigor  to  private  virtue  and  equality, 
consistency  and  efficiency  to  public  rule,  these 
are  well  established  principles — and  are  most 
strikingly  exemplified  in  the  life  and  conduct  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  all  his  apostles,  and 
they  form  essential  and  ever  acting  elements  in 
the  moral  habits  and  religious  experience  of 
every  genuine  Christian.  Because,  whatever 
may  be  our  natural  rights,  these  are  never  so 
effectually  guarded  nor  so  rationally  enjoyed  as 


196 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Special  application  of  general  principle. 

when  we  perform  the  part  of  good  subjects  of 
that  particular  form  of  civil  government,  under 
which,  in  the  providence  of  God,  we  may  happen 
to  have  our  existence. 

In  the  text,  the  apostle  makes  a special  appli- 
cation of  this  general  principle.  As  many  as 
are  under  the  yoke,  are  here,  required  to  count 
their  own  masters  worthy  of  all  honor that  is, 
as  many  as  are  under  the  yoke  who  sustain  the 
subordinate  relation  of  servant;  or,  in  other 
words,  who  are  neither  parents  nor  children, 
nor  relations,  but  subordinate  members  of  the 
family  circle.  This  view  of  the  subject  com- 
prehends— 

1.  Such  as  were  in  a state  of  involuntary 
bondage . Not  that  the  apostle  intended  to 

justify  the  practice  of  holding  men  in  such  a 
state  of  moral,  intellectual,  and  civil  degradation. 
To  treat  of  this  question,  so  far  as  it  involves 
the  natural  and  unalienable  rights  of  men,  was 
not  his  design.  The  apostles,  in  strict  imitation 
of  their  Divine  Master,  scrupulously  avoided  all 
questions  having  a tendency  to  disturb  the  order 
of  civil  government  in  those  countries  where 
they  exercised  their  ministry.  They  did  not  re- 
gard themselves  as  political  reformers,  but  as 
messengers  of  salvation,  and  ministers  of  peace, 
who  were  specially  appointed  by  the  Lord  Jesus 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


197 


Such  as  are  in  involuntary  bondage. 

Christ,  not  for  the  purpose  of  explaining  and 
defending  the  civil  rights  of  men,  but  for  the 
still  holier  purpose  of  teaching  them  words 
whereby  they  might  be  saved;  to  warn  every 
man,  and  teach  every  man  in  all  wisdom,  that 
they  might  present  every  man  perfect  in  Christ 
Jesus.  And  hence,  without  once  touching  the 
question  of  their  natural  and  civil  rights;  with- 
out referring  to  the  almost  unbounded  preroga- 
tives of  the  civil  ruler;  the  arbitrary  distinction 
between  master  and  slave,  they  adhered  strictly 
to  their  particular  work  of  turning  men  from 
darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan 
unto  God.  The  apostle,  therefore,  does  not  in- 
quire into  the  history  of  their  misfortune,  (whom 
he  addressed,)  whether  they  were  taken  captives 
in  war — violently  torn  by  heartless  men  from 
their  parents,  homes  and  children,  or  gotten  by 
barter  or  sale;  this  point  he  leaves  untouched. 
As  the  relation  itself  was  recognised  and  esta- 
blished by  law,  and  the  persons  addressed  sus- 
tained this  relation,  and  could  not  be  released 
unless  by  the  consent  of  their  owners,  without 
violence  and  confusion,  the  apostle  urges  them 
to  such  a course  of  life,  as  would  exemplify  the 
power  of  Christianity  in  their  personal  meek- 
ness, fidelity  and  love.  Let  as  many  servants 
as  are  under  the  yoke,  count  their  own  masters 
17* 


198 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  apostles  give  no  judgment  on  the  abstract  question. 

worthy  of  all  honor,  that  the  name  of  God,  and 
his  doctrine  be  not  blasphemed.  And  they  that 
have  believing  masters  let  them  not  despise 
them,  because  they  are  brethren,  but  rather  do 
them  service,  because  they  are  faithful  and 
beloved  partakers  of  the  benefit.  These  things 
teach  and  exhort.  If  any  man  teach  otherwise, 
and  consent  not  to  wholesome  words,  even  the 
words  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  the  doc- 
trine which  is  according  to  godliness,  he  is 
proud,  knowing  nothing,  but  doting  about 
questions  and  strifes  of  words,  whereof  cometh 
envy,  strife,  railing,  evil  surmisings,  perverse 
disputings  of  men  of  corrupt  minds,  and  des- 
titute of  the  truth,  supposing  that  gain  is  god- 
liness. 

JBut  are  we  to  infer  from  this  mode  of  instruc- 
tion, that  the  apostle  gives  the  sanction  of  inspi- 
ration to  the  practice  of  holding  men  in  a state 
of  involuntary  bondage  ? Most  certainly  not. 
He  expresses  no  judgment  on  this  question  any 
more  than  he  does  upon  any  other  incidental 
circumstance  of  human  life.  And,  therefore,  it 
would  be  as  absurd  to  infer  from  the  instruction 
given  by  the  apostle  above  referred  to,  that  this 
practice  is  reasonable,  just,  and  acceptable  to 
God,  as  to  argue  that  because  he  enjoins  obe- 
dience to  kings,  he  does  thereby  give  his  sanction. 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


199 


Bat  may  be  inferred  from  the  character  of  Christianity. 

as  an  inspired  writer,  to  a monarchical  form  of 
civil  government,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  others. 

The  sentiment  of  the  apostle  on  this,  and  all 
similar  questions,  is  not  to  be  inferred  from  any 
occasional  remark  or  injunction  they  may  have 
felt  it  their  duty  to  deliver.  But  from  the  gene- 
ral character  of  Christianity,  its  spirit  of  sympa- 
thy, tenderness,  and  love;  its  avowed  design  and 
manifest  tendency  to  destroy  the  malign  pas- 
sions of  the  human  heart — to  subdue  the  pride, 
ambition,  enmity,  and  cruelty  of  our  nature,  and 
to  place  the  entire  family  of  mankind  under  the 
active  power  of  supreme  love  to  God,  and  ardent 
benevolence  towards  each  other. 

When  the  apostles  exercised  their  ministry, 
this  form  of  human  wretchedness  obtained 
among  men  to  a most  frightful  extent ; and  it 
still  exists,  variously  modified,  it  is  true,  but 
milder  only  in  proportion,  as  the  benign  religion 
of  the  New  Testament  has  shed  its  ameliorating 
influence  on  the  civil  and  social  institutions  and 
relations  of  men.  Its  existence  must  always  be 
regarded  not  only  as  an  inconvenience,  but  as 
one  of  the  natural  consequences  of  moral  evil, 
and  hence  we  may  both  rationally  and  Scriptu- 
rally  expect,  that  as  this  is  one  of  the  effects  of  sin, 
it  will  ultimately  be  removed  as  one  of  the  inevi- 
table results  of  that  universal  spread  of  the  truth 


200 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Apprentices.  A relation  of  choice. 

as  it  is  in  Jesus,  for  which  we  are  taught  to  pray; 
which  God  has  graciously  promised,  and  which 
Christ  died  to  purchase,  and  which  he  ever  lives 
to  accomplish.  In  the  meantime,  we  exhort 
servants  to  be  obedient  unto  their  own  masters, 
and  to  please  them  well  in  all  things,  not  an- 
swering again,  not  purloining,  but  showing  all 
good  fidelity,  that  they  may  adorn  the  doctrine 
of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things. 

2.  Another  class  of  persons  comprehended  in 
this  injunction  of  the  apostle,  are  apprentices . 
Such  persons  as  are  regularly  bound  by  their 
parents,  guardians,  or  themselves,  and  are  held 
under  the  obligations  of  an  indenture.  That 
this  particular  form  of  the  relation  was  referred 
to  by  the  Apostle,  can  hardly  be  questioned  by 
any  one,  when  it  is  considered  how  fairly  it  is 
embraced  in  the  general  principle  here  laid  down, 
that  as  many  as  are  under  the  yoke,  that  is,  are 
in  a state  of  servitude,  should  count  their  mas- 
ters worthy  of  all  honor.  Certainly,  if  there  is 
any  propriety,  reason,  or  righteousness  in  this 
command,  anywhere,  it  is  in  this  particular  ap- 
plication. 

(1.)  Because  that  it  is  a relation  of  choice. 
The  individual  who  becomes  an  apprentice, 
does  it  with  the  concurrence  of  his  own  mind; 
if  he  is  imposed  upon  by  the  exaggerated  or 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE# 


201 


A relation  of  personal  advantage. 

false  representations  of  his  parents,  guardians,  or 
others,  which  it  is  to  be  feared  is  sometimes  the 
case,  this  is  his  misfortune,  and  is  one  of  those 
common  inconveniences  of  life  against  which  we 
have  no  protection,  save  the  proper  exercise  of 
our  own  faculties,  the  fidelity  of  our  friends,  or 
the  vigilant  and  impartial  administration  of  civil 
law.  But  still,  the  parties  are  presumed  to  have 
a fair  understanding;  their  duties  and  responsi- 
bilities are  clearly  defined,  and,  all  things  consi- 
dered, if  this  is  not  the  best,  it  is  regarded  as 
equal  to  any  other  arrangement  the  parties  can 
make  for  their  advantage  respectively,  and  is, 
therefore,  entered  into  as  a reasonable  one,  and 
as  such  is  a matter  of  choice. 

(2.)  Because  that  it  is  a relation  of  personal 
advantage . Whatever  may  be  the  result,  ulti- 
mately there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  both 
master  and  apprentice  propose  to  themselves 
personal  advantage  as  the  consequence  of  such 
a relation.  Without  it  the  one  would  not  sub- 
mit to  the  restraints,  nor  would  the  other  incur 
the  responsibilities  which  it  imposes.  But  then 
it  will  readily  be  perceived  that,  in  the  nature  of 
things,  the  balance  of  advantage  between  the 
master  and  his  apprentice  must  always  be  in 
favor  of  the  latter.  Because  it  matters  not  how 
early  in  life  the  connection  may  be  formed,  it 


202 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


An  inducement  to  fidelity. 

uniformly  terminates  at  that  period,  in  which 
our  intellectual  and  physical  nature  have  attain- 
ed to  such  a degree  of  maturity,  as  renders  our 
time  and  services  most  valuable.  Thus,  the 
plain  state  of  the  case  is  this,  that  while  the  ap- 
prentice is  controlled  by  the  foibles  of  youth, 
unformed  in  his  character  and  imperfect  in  his 
business,  he  serves  his  master.  But  as  the  levi- 
ties of  boyhood  are  succeeded  by  the  more 
excellent  developments  of  mature  age,  and  the 
mere  novice  becomes  a proficient  in  his  busi- 
ness, he  serves  himself.  We  would  not  be 
understood  to  insinuate  that  there  is  any  thing 
unfair  in  this  arrangement,  or  that  it  ought  to  be 
otherwise.  Because  the  common  consent  and 
uniform  course  of  society  on  this  subject  is  an 
ample  guarantee  of  its  correctness.  But  to  us  it 
does  appear,  in  view  of  this  fact,  that  the  obliga- 
tions of  this  relation  ought  to  be  more  sacredly 
regarded,  than  is  the  case,  perhaps,  in  most  in- 
stances. 

But  once  more:  As  an  inducement  to  fidelity 
in  his  calling,  an  apprentice  ought  to  remember 
that  he  gets  his  master’s  business,  or  art,  for  the 
consideration  of  his  own  service;  while  he  is, 
himself,  yet  a minor,  and  would  not  under  any 
circumstances,  be  entitled  to  the  control  of  his 
own  time,  or  the  proceeds  of  his  own  labor;  and 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE, 


203 


Another  class  of  persons. 

thus,  even  in  his  youth,  he  is,  by  the  acquire- 
ment of  a profession,  art,  or  trade,  securing  to 
himself  the  means  both  of  wealth  and  reputa- 
tion, when  he  shall  have  become  of  age.  This 
certainly  is,  or  ought  to  be  a very  strong  induce- 
ment to  aspire  to  eminence,  to  endeavor  to 
excel  in  his  calling,  as  a circumstance  which 
will  at  once  render  his  services  more  valuable, 
improve  his  character,  and  open  a more  ready 
and  certain  medium  to  success  in  business. 

3.  A third  class  of  persons  here  referred  to,  is 
such  as , having  the  control  of  their  own  time ; 
choose  either  for  considerations  of  convenience, 
or  gain,  to  engage  in  the  service  of  others. 
They  most  certainly  are  under  the  yoke,  and  it 
is  indisputably  certain  that  whatever  rights  they 
may  have  naturally,  and  in  their  separate  capa- 
city, these  become  more  or  less  abridged,  and 
variously  modified  by  the  different  relations  they 
form,  or  engagements  they  enter  into  with 
others; — and  we  certainly  need  not  be  informed 
that  a good  man,  one  that  is  upright  in  his  prin- 
ciples and  habits,  will  act  in  all  things  according 
to  that  particular  modification  of  his  rights 
which  has  been  thus  created,  not  only  for  wrath, 
but  also  for  conscience  sake.  The  duties  more 
particularly  binding  on  persons  in  this  relation 
to  society  are, 


204 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Respect  for  their  employers. 

(1.)  Respect  for  their  employers . We  sup- 
pose that  it  will  not  be  disputed  that  there  is  a 
manifest  difference  between  him  who  is  em- 
ployed and  his  employer  so  far  as  their  relation 
is  regarded;  and  although  they  are  mutually 
dependant,  because  the  one  cannot  do  without 
the  other  in  either  case,  (for  “the  king  himself  is 
served  of  the  field/’)  yet  there  is  an  inequality, 
the  one  is  entitled  to  command,  the  other  is 
under  obligation  to  obey.  The  employer  evi- 
dently has  more  rights,  more  power,  and  pro- 
portionately greater  responsibility;  and  even 
where  this  is  not  the  case,  their  rights  and 
responsibilities  are  essentially  different.  We  do 
not  say,  that  there  is  any  inherent  difference,  that 
the  one  is  less  worthy  for  being  poor  or  the 
other  more  so  for  being  rich;  but  the  one,  by 
being  in  the  employment  of  the  other,  is  for  the 
time  being  subordinate;  and  as  a consequence,  it 
is  his  business  to  do  what  the  other  commands, 
because  for  this  he  receives  his  wages,  and  for 
this  he  entered  into  his  obligation. 

And  hence  the  pleasure  of  the  employer 
ought  always  to  be  consulted;  for  it  is  manifest 
that  if  any  one  person  be  engaged  to  transact 
the  business,  or  perform  the  labor  of  another,  it 
is  but  reasonable  that  he  should  consult  the 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


205 


Family  regulation  in  particular. 

pleasure  of  his  employer,  and  that  it  should  be 
his  aim  to  promote  it.  The  reason  for  this  is 
self-evident ; the  party  employed  receives  his 
wages  for  this  very  consideration,  not  simply  to 
labor,  but  to  labor  according  to  the  will  of  the 
employer,  it  being  absurd  to  suppose  that  any 
one  would  engage  the  services  of  another,  and 
give  him  a reward  for  the  transaction  of  his 
business  in  an  exceptionable  manner. 

(2.)  « ft.  respect  for  their  family  regulations . 
Every  family  has,  or  ought  to  have  its  own 
particular  and  distinct  code  of  rules  for  domestic 
government;  and  it  is  but  reasonable  that  all 
persons,  on  entering  into  a family,  be  required 
to  understand  what  those  regulations  are,  and, 
while  they  continue  in  the  family,  to  conform  to 
them  : but  if  in  conscience  they  cannot,  or  through 
perverseness  will  not  conform,  they  ought  in  all 
propriety  to  change  their  situation;  it  being  un- 
reasonable to  suppose  that  the  harmony  and 
order  of  a whole  family  should  be  interrupted 
and  displaced  to  gratify  the  caprice  or  eccentrici- 
ties of  any  individual,  and  more  especially  when 
that  individual  is  comparatively  a young  person, 
and  withal  a stranger.  Therefore,  whatever 
may  be  the  nature  of  those  rules,  which  govern 
the  domestic  circle,  whether  they  relate  to  the 
hours  of  rising,  or  retirement  to  rest,  the  time  or 
18 


206 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  true  glory  of  Christian  character. 

manner  of  business,  the  entertainment  of  com- 
pany, or  any  other  of  the  details  of  life,  they  are 
to  be  scrupulously  respected;  and  to  conform  to 
them,  should  be  considered  as  one  part  of  the 
service  for  which  the  person  employed  receives 
his  or  her  wages;  and  hence  it  manifestly  in- 
dicates a very  imperfect  sense  of  propriety,  of 
what  is  just  and  proper  for  any  one,  and  more 
particularly  a professor  of  religion,  to  break 
through  such  regulations,  pretending  in  justifi- 
cation of  their  conduct,  zeal  for  the  honor  of 
God,  as  if  he  required  robbery  for  sacrifice.  Isa. 
lxi,  8. 

The  true  glory  of  the  Christian  character  con- 
sists in  acting  fully  up  to  the  measure  of  our 
obligations  in  the  various  relations  of  life.  This 
is,  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour. 
Hence,  says  the  apostle,  “ I beseech  you,  as 
strangers  and  pilgrims,  abstain  from  fleshly  lusts, 
which  war  against  the  soul;  having  your  con- 
versation honest  among  the  Gentiles,  that  where- 
as they  speak  against  you  as  evil  doers,  they 
may,  by  your  good  works,  which  they  shall  be- 
hold, glorify  God  in  the  day  of  visitation.  For 
so  is  the  will  of  God,  that  with  well  doing,  ye 
may  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men.” 
1 Peter,  ii,  11—12—15. 

It  is  exceedingly  to  be  regretted  that  there 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


207 


Another  branch  of  duty.  Fidelity  in  business. 

are  professors  of  religion,  both  male  and  female, 
who  seem  not  to  see  the  importance  of  the  sub- 
ject to  which  we  refer,  but  rashly  pursue  their 
own  course  to  the  great  inconvenience  of  those 
families  with  whom  they  reside,  to  the  discredit 
of  religion,  and  their  own  reproach  and  de- 
struction. 

2.  Another  branch  of  the  duty  that  persons  in 
this  relation  are  bound  to  observe,  is  fidelity , or 
honesty  in  the  discharge  of  their  trust . For, 
as  they  are  engaged  to  render  certain  service  for 
a stipulated  reward,  so  it  is  required  of  them  to 
perform  all  that  was  fairly  implied  or  understood, 
in  their  contract,  notwithstanding  whatever  op- 
portunity derived,  or  temptation  occurring,  from 
the  manner  of  the  engagement,  to  equivocate 
or  defraud.  And  hence,  those  sudden  and  capri- 
cious separations  which  frequently  take  place 
between  persons  in  the  business  relations  of  life, 
partake  very  largely  of  the  nature  of  injustice, 
especially  since  they  are  scarcely  ever  anticipated 
or  embraced  in  the  calculations  of  either  party, 
and  nearly  always  are  more  or  less  injurious.  It 
is  sometimes  next  to  starvation  for  the  one  to  be 
thrown  out  of  business,  and  in  other  cases  it  is 
almost  ruin  to  the  other  to  be  forsaken  by  those 
in  his  employment. 

Persons  are  not  only  to  do  their  duty,  but  also 


208 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Another  branch  of  fidelity. 

to  do  it  according  to  their  original  engagement, 
and  in  such  a manner  as  would  give  themselves 
satisfaction,  in  a reverse  of  circumstances.  This 
is  one  of  the  great  distinguishing  principles  of 
Christianity.  “ As  ye  would  that  men  should  do 
unto  you,  do  ye  even  so  unto  them.”  We  may 
still  further  remark,  that  there  can  be  no  ques- 
tion, but  that  it  is  a direct  fraud  in  the  sight  of 
God,  to  neglect  a man’s  business,  or  to  perform 
it  in  a careless  and  insufficient  manner,  when  he 
has  entrusted  it  to  your  care,  and  given  you  a 
reward  to  execute  it  according  to  his  will.  It  is, 
in  effect,  the  same  thing  as  to  purloin  his  money, 
or  waste  his  capital  in  any  other  way,  because 
that  it  may  give  to  his  affairs  a turn  equally  as 
disastrous  in  the  issue.  And,  therefore,  as  on 
the  fidelity  of  a single  individual  in  the  service 
or  employment  of  another,  may  depend  the  busi- 
ness, reputation,  domestic  peace,  safety,  and 
comfort  of  a numerous  family,  they  are  not  to 
render  merely  an  eye-service,  as  men-pleasers, 
but  as  the  servants  of  Christ,  doing  the  will  of 
God  from  the  heart,  with  good  will  doing  ser- 
vice as  to  the  Lord,  and  not  to  men;  knowing 
“ whatever  good  thing  any  man  doeth,  the  same 
shall  he  receive  of  the  Lord,  whether  he  be  bond 
or  free”  Eph.  vi,  6, 8, 

Once  more.  All  persons  who  are  admitted 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


209 


Unguarded  conversation  in  the  family  circle. 

into  the  bosom  of  a family,  in  the  relation  of  do- 
mestics, are  thereby  placed  in  a situation  to  per- 
ceive whatever  is  peculiar  in  the  family  character, 
its  habits  and  government,  the  foibles  of  children, 
and  griefs  of  parents,  the  insubordination  of  the 
one  and  painful  solicitude  of  the  other,  with  the 
numerous  little  incidental  developments  of  cha- 
racter, and  circumstances  of  disappointed  hope, 
and  irritated  feeling,  so  common  to  the  present 
life;  and  are  therefore  bound  by  every  rule  of 
propriety,  moral  honesty  and  religion,  to  respect 
the  confidence  that  is  thus  reposed  in  them;  be- 
cause that  this  is  implied  in  the  very  nature  of 
the  relation  they  sustain,  it  being  inconceivable 
that  any  person  should  be  admitted  into  the 
sacred  familiarities  of  the  domestic  circle,  whose 
want  of  principle  or  malignity  of  nature,  would 
dispose  him  to  violate  the  principle  embodied  in 
this  rule  of  conduct.  And  also,  because  it  is  a 
flagrant  transgression  of  that  broad  principle  of 
our  holy  religion,  which  teaches  us  to  “do  unto 
others  as  we  would  that  they  should  do  unto  us.” 
Does  any  one  inquire  what  are  the  things 
referred  to,  in  relation  to  which  confidence  is 
exercised;  I answer  that  a thousand  might  be 
named.  But  to  instance  only  a few: — The  gene- 
ral run  of  table-talk  and  fire-side  conversation, 
in  most  families  is  such,  that  however  harmless 
18* 


210 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Tale  bearing.  Case  of  Job’s  wife. 

it  may  be,  while  under  cover  of  family  confi- 
dence, it  bears  a strong  resemblance  to  those 
chemical  affinities  in  nature,  which  ignite  and 
explode  on  exposure  to  a free  circulation  of  air. 
It  is,  therefore,  always  understood,  that  they  are 
not  to  be  exposed,  nor  can  they,  without  endan- 
gering in  many  instances,  it  may  be  the  reputa- 
tion of  a family,  or  the  peace  of  a neighborhood. 
The  innocence  of  such  conversation  is  not  the 
question  that  now  occupies  our  attention.  Be 
that  as  it  may,  we  insist  that  domestics  are  under 
obligations  to  regard  those  things  as  committed 
to  their  confidence,  and  that  to  relate  them,  is  to 
go  up  and  down  as  a tale-bearer,  contrary  to  the 
express  word  of  God.  Lev.  xix,  16. 

Without  intending  to  insinuate  any  thing  un- 
friendly to  that  free  flow  of  soul,  and  comming- 
ling of  spirit,  peculiar  to  the  family  circle,  I hold 
that  there  is  a great  deal  said  incautiously,  or 
unseasonably,  or  that  ought  not  to  be  said  at 
all.  And  there  are,  also,  little  ebullitions  of 
feeling,  moments  of  nervous  excitement,  or 
business  vexation;  seasons  of  mental  gloom  and 
depression,  and  unaccountable  restlessness,  or 
languor  of  spirit,  in  which  persons  speak  without 
thought,  and  without  intention.  It  may  have 
been  in  such  a season  that  Job’s  wife  said  to  him, 
“ Curse  God,  and  die.”  Job,  ii,  9.  And  under 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


211 


Advantages  of  domestics.  Reprehensible  practice. 

similar  feelings,  that  good  man  himself,  may 
have  exclaimed,  “ Oh  that  I had  given  up  the 
ghost,  and  no  eye  had  seen  me.”  Many  other 
cases  might  be  given  from  the  sacred  history,  in 
further  illustration  of  this  sentiment,  but  let  this 
suffice. 

A shrewd  and  discriminating  domestic  will 
soon  enter  into  the  understanding  of  the  family 
government,  and  be  able  to  trace  any  little  ec- 
centricities in  the  general  movement  to  their 
proper  cause,  whether  it  be  some  defect  of  prin- 
ciple, or  experience.  Whatever  it  may  be  that 
renders  the  government  either  rigid  or  remiss, 
will  naturally  and  necessarily  fall  under  their 
observation.  But  is  a person  in  this  relation, 
therefore,  at  liberty  to  give  publicity  to  all  that 
has  come  to  their  sight  and  hearing?  Most  cer- 
tainly not.  For  this  confidential  respect  is  one 
important  part  of  that  service,  they  are  employed 
to  render. 

The  conduct,  therefore,  of  such  persons  as  go 
from  house  to  house,  and  from  one  family  to 
another,  disclosing  and  circulating  whatever  they 
think  weak  or  exceptionable,  in  those  with  whom 
they  have  previously  resided,  is  to  be  regarded 
as  a violation  of  even  heathen  morality,  and 
much  more  of  the  pure  religion  of  the  Son  of 
God.  And  if  possible,  still  more  infamous  is  the 


212 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Motives.  Temporal  advantages.  Character. 

practice  of  those  heads  of  families  who  endeavor, 
through  the  cringing  sycophancy  of  their  hire- 
lings, to  pry  into  the  secrecies  of  others.  Whe- 
ther they  are  actuated  by  envy,  or  by  any  other 
malign  passion  of  the  human  heart,  there  is 
every  thing  superlatively  vile  in  the  manner  in 
which  they  first  employ,  and  then  abandon  their 
dependants,  as  the  mean  and  worthless  tools 
which  they  have  reluctantly  used  in  the  execu- 
tion of  a low-minded  and  infamous  transaction. 
We  turn 

II.  To  set  before  you  the  motives  to  such  a 
course  of  conduct  as  we  have  already  described. 
We  shall  consider  these  as  motives  of  temporal 
and  spiritual  advantage. 

1.  Temporal  advantages.  These  are  nume- 
rous; the  first  we  shall  mention  is  character . 
The  importance  of  reputation,  that  is,  a good 
name,  is  proverbial.  Without  it  a man  is 
scarcely  a living  being.  He  is  dead  while  he 
liveth;  but  with  a fair  reputation,  whatever  may 
be  his  condition  in  the  world,  he  has  an  indispu- 
table claim  to  public  confidence  and  patronage, 
a letter  of  commendation  to  all  people,  an  easy 
passport  into  the  society  of  his  equals  every 
where,  and  an  acknowledged  right  to  the  atten- 
tion and  sympathy  of  such  as  are  confessedly  his 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


213 


Its  value.  Elements  of  character. 

superiors  in  mind,  fortune,  and  influence.  And 
hence,  “ a good  name  is  rather  to  be  chosen  than 
great  riches;  and  loving  favor  rather  than  silver 
and  gold.”  Prov.  xxii,  1. 

Let  me  intreat  you  to  bear  this  in  mind,  that 
character  is  the  result  of  no  particular  condition 
in  life,  but  arises  from  the  manner  in  which  we 
perform  the  duties  of  any  particular  situation 
assigned  us  in  the  providence  of  God.  Attention 
to  business,  habits  of  industry,  carefulness, 
promptitude,  fidelity,  and  cheerfulness  in  execu- 
ting the  commands  of  an  employer  or  master, 
will  always  have  their  reward,  if  not  from  those 
who  are  more  immediately  benefitted  by  your 
good  conduct,  yet  .from  others;  for  such  is  the 
wise  and  merciful  arrangement  of  Divine  Provi- 
dence, that  it  will,  in  some  way,  so  turn  out  that 
such  a person  will  come  into  notice,  and  have 
their  reward.  And  just  as  naturally  will  a per- 
son of  an  ill-nature  or  captious  temper,  or  one 
who  is  unfaithful  in  his  business,  find  his  way 
made  rough  and  uncomfortable,  whatever  may 
be  his  capabilities;  for  men  generally  wish  to  be 
pleased,  and,  in  most  instances,  prefer  it  to  profit. 

Allow  me  also  to  suggest,  as  another  element 
of  character,  regularity  of  your  hours,  and  a dis- 
creet selection  of  your  society.  Bear  in  mind, 
that  God  has  decided,  that  evil  communications 


214 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Another  motive.  Gain.  Scriptural. 

corrupt  good  manners.  And  that  as  he  who 
walketh  with  wise  men  shall  be  wise,  so  a com- 
panion of  fools  shall  be  destroyed.  Attention  to 
these  general  principles  in  their  bearing  on  the 
details  of  life,  will  guarantee  to  any  one  the 
confidence  of  those  with  whom  he  may  be 
associated,  and  elevate  him  to  a respectable 
standing  in  his  own  particular  calling,  and  the 
want  of  these  will  always  be  a radical  defect 
in  the  claims  of  any  to  patronage  and  respect- 
ability. 

2.  Another  motive  is  gain . Character  itself 
is  wealth,  because  that  persons  of  good  reputa- 
tion, as  honest  and  competent  in  their  business, 
will  not  only  obtain  employment  more  readily 
than  others,  but  will  also  obtain  it  on  better 
terms.  And,  therefore,  propriety  of  conduct  and 
fidelity  in  the  execution  of  your  trust  (without 
which  character  cannot  be  obtained,)  will  natu- 
rally lead,  if  not  to  affluence,  yet  to  competency. 
And  that  this  is  a proper  motive  to  set  before 
you,  we  need  no  farther  proof,  than  that  it  is  so 
employed  in  the  oracles  of  God;  the  rule  is  fairly 
implied  in  those  general  principles  of  Christian 
morality,  which  teach  us  to  live  soberly  and 
righteously,  as  well  as  godly  in  the  world;  and 
also  that  godliness  is  profitable  unto  all  things, 
having  the  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is,  and 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


215 


Special  providence  of  God. 

that  which  is  to  come.  This,  it  is  true,  is  not 
the  noblest  motive  that  can  actuate  the  heart  of 
man,  but  still  it  is  a proper  one,  because  that  it 
is  one  of  Divine  appointment. 

It  will  scarcely  be  denied  that  the  course  of 
life  here  laid  down,  will  be  profitable  in  the  re- 
spects named  above.  And  that  it  will  preserve 
you  from  many  and  needless  expenses,  and  will, 
also,  lead  to  habits  of  thoughtfulness  and  fru- 
gality ; by  which  your  little  substance  will 
gradually,  but  certainly,  accumulate  upon  your 
hands,  and  thus  afford  you  the  means  of  doing 
good  to  others,  as  well  as  of  enlarging  and  multi- 
plying your  own  comforts.  Such  is  the  natural 
course  of  things.  But  we  are  not  to  overlook 
the  special  providence  of  God,  which  is  also  en- 
gaged, in  various  ways,  to  promote  the  temporal 
prosperity  of  such  as  love  and  fear  Him;  thus  in 
one  instance,  he  will  raise  up  special  friends,  as 
in  the  case  of  Ruth.  (See  Ruth,  ii.)  And  in 
other  cases,  even  cause  your  enemies  to  be  at 
peace  with  you.  (See  history  of  Joseph,  Gen. 
xli.)  Or  he  will  render  the  special  services  of 
friendship  needless,  by  some  unexpected  prospe- 
rity, “ for  the  earth  is  the  Lord’s,  and  the  fulness 
thereof;”  and  he  bestoweth  it  on  whomsoever 
he  will. 

And  it  is  also  to  be  observed,  that  the  various 


216 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Way  to  distinction. 

conditions  in  life  depend  very  much  on  personal 
worth,  capabilities,  and  effort.  And  hence,  an 
individual  in  the  humblest  condition  in  life,  may 
rise  to  the  most  enviable  position  of  wealth,  of- 
fice, or  influence  in  society.  In  our  country,  this 
is  emphatically  the  case.  Here 

“ Honor  and  shame  from  no  condition  rise, 

Act  well  your  part,  there  all  the  honor  lies.” 

The  way  to  distinction  is  open  to  all,  and  the 
only  tribute  exacted  by  any  candidate  for  a more 
elevated  condition  in  life,  is  talent,  moral  worth, 
and  perseverance.  Behold  this  sentiment  exem- 
plified in  the  history  of  thousands  of  your  fellow- 
citizens.  The  rich  men  of  this  generation  in 
many  instances,  were  the  poor  men  of  the  last; 
and  the  secret  of  their  advancement  is  found  in 
the  doctrines  already  laid  down.  On  the  other 
hand,  many  who  are  now  most  highly  exalted, 
are  obviously  nodding  to  their  fall.  Thus  the 
grass  withereth,  and  the  flower  fadeth,  but  the 
word  of  the  Lord  endureth  forever.  They  that 
trust  in  their  wealth,  and  boast  themselves  in  the 
multitude  of  their  riches,  none  of  them  can,  by 
any  means,  redeem  his  brother,  nor  give  to  God 
a ransom  for  him,  that  he  should  still  live  forever, 
and  not  see  corruption,  for  he  seeth  that  wise 
men  die,  likewise  the  fool;  and  the  brutish  per- 
sons perish,  and  leave  their  wealth  to  others. 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


217 


Third  argument.  Conscience. 

Their  inward  thought  is,  that  their  houses  shall 
continue  forever,  and  their  dwelling  places  to  all 
generations;  they  call  their  lands  after  their  own 
names.  “Nevertheless,  man  being  in  honor 
abideth  not,  he  is  like  the  beasts  that  perish. 
This  their  way  is  their  folly,  yet  their  posterity 
approve  their  sayings/’  Psal,  xlix,  6 — 13.  But 
in  vain  are  the  puny  efforts  of  feeble  man  to 
arrest  the  action  of  these  principles  in  the  Di- 
vine administration  that  declare  him  to  be  a God 
without  partiality,  and  which  preserve  this  gene- 
ral equality  among  his  intelligent  creatures. 

3.  A third  argument  is  one  of  conscience. 
That  the  name  of  God  and  his  doctrine  be  not 
blasphemed.  Whether  it  be  true  or  not,  the 
practice  very  generally  obtains  of  ascribing  the 
general  tenor  of  a man’s  life  to  the  force  of  his 
religious  principles;  and  perhaps  no  solid  objec- 
tion can  be  urged  against  the  practice,  seeing 
it  is  a rule  established  by  Divine  authority, 
that  “ out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart,  the 
mouth  speaketh,”  and  that  “ the  tree  is  known 
by  its  fruit.”  Therefore,  if  a person  profess  the 
religion  of  Christ,  even  under  the  most  Scriptu- 
ral views,  and  his  life  be  irregular,  that  irregu- 
larity will  be  held  to  be  a contradiction  of  his 
profession,  which  in  this  case  will  be  regarded 
19 


218 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  church  of  Christ. 

merely  as  a cloak  of  licentiousness,  taken  upon 
him  for  sinister  ends. 

In  view  of  this  fact,  the  apostle  urges  believers 
in  the  Lord  Jesus  in  all  the  various  relations  of 
life,  so  to  conduct  themselves  before  men,  as  to 
make  a fair  and  honorable  impression  on  the 
public  mind  in  behalf  of  our  holy  religion.  He 
exhorts  them  so  to  live,  that  they  may  adorn  the 
doctrine  of  God  their  Saviour  in  all  things. 

The  church  of  Christ  is  composed  of  persons 
from  all  the  different  conditions  in  life,  and  is  de- 
signed to  be,  in  a modified  sense,  the  medium  of 
communication  between  God  and  the  world.  It 
is,  in  the  hand  of  our  Almighty  Redeemer,  the 
divinely  appointed  instrumentality  of  the  world's 
conversion;  and  when  fully  imbued  with  the 
spirit  of  its  original  organization,  the  great  con- 
servative principle  of  all  good  order  and  moral 
virtue  among  men.  It  is,  in  the  order  of  God, 
the  medium  through  which  the  light  of  truth  and 
the  power  of  salvation,  are  sent  forth  to  dispel 
the  darkness  and  superstition  of  the  human  mind; 
to  lead  the  weary  and  forsaken  to  the  palace  and 
presence  of  God;  and  to  change  the  moral  deso- 
lations of  this  sin-smitten  earth,  into  one  vast  field 
of  fertility  and  loveliness.  In  this  great  work  of 
enlightening  and  regenerating  the  world,  every 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


219 


Ministers. 

department  of  the  church  is  to  perform  that  part 
allotted  it  in  the  providence  of  God.  Every 
man  is  to  bear  his  own  cross,  and  in  the  faithful 
discharge  of  those  duties  proper  to  his  own  par- 
ticular calling,  to  show  forth  the  glory  of  God. 
All  are  not  required  to  engage  in  the  use  of  the 
same  means,  nor  in  the  prosecution  of  the  same 
particular  ends  for  the  manifestation  of  the  ho- 
nor of  Christ;  but  to  act  out  those  general  prin- 
ciples of  purity,  righteousness,  and  love,  so  uni- 
formly inculcated  in  the  oracles  of  God;  and  thus, 
by  well-doing,  to  let  their  light  so  shine  before 
men,  that  others  seeing  their  good  works,  may 
glorify  their  “ Father,  who  is  in  heaven.” 

Ministers  operate  upon  large  masses  of  the 
community,  from  the  pulpit  or  the  press;  and  im- 
pressions thus  made,  are  often  followed  up  to 
advantage,  by  epistolary  intercourse  or  pastoral 
visitation;  but  these  are  not  the  only  means  used 
by  the  great  head  of  the  church,  to  establish  His 
truth  in  the  hearts  of  men.  He  is  pleased  fre- 
quently to  employ  the  feeblest  means  for  the  ac- 
complishment of  great  and  holy  ends;  even 
things  that  are  nought,  to  bring  to  nought  things 
that  really  are,  that  no  flesh  should  glory  in  his 
presence. 

As  ministers  are  compared  to  burning  and 
shining  lights,  who  illumine  the  king’s  highway 


220 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Influence  of  pious  domestics. 

of  holiness,  so  the  persons  here  addressed  may- 
be regarded  as  secondary  lights,  who  shed  their 
benign  influence,  where  the  ministry  and  the  re- 
gular means  of  spiritual  improvement  are  disre- 
garded, and  their  efficiency  denied,  and  thus  the 
religion  of  Jesus  receives,  in  the  more  retired 
scenes  of  domestic  life  , and  through  the  medium 
of  subordinate  members  in  the  family  circle,  its 
most  forcible  exemplifications.  The  instances 
are  not  rare,  of  persons  who  have  been  proof 
against  all  other  forms  of  argument,  that  have 
been  perfectly  unable  to  resist  the  demonstration, 
which  a good  life  affords  of  the  power  and  excel- 
lency of  religion. 

Let  it  be  settled  in  your  mind,  then,  that  you 
are  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  your  Saviour; 
and  that  the  honor  of  Christ,  who  bought  you 
not  with  gold  or  silver,  or  corruptible  things,  but 
with  his  own  most  precious  blood,  is  advanced 
or  tarnished  by  your  deportment,  as  it  conforms 
to,  or  diverges  from  the  moral  precepts  of  his 
gospel.  And  therefore,  while  you  seek  the  wel- 
fare of  your  employers,  it  is  to  be  done  in  subor- 
dination to  His  will.  “Do  all  things  as  unto  God;” 
this  is  the  maxim  by  which  you  are  to  govern 
your  tempers,  select  your  society,  and  regulate 
your  conversation.  No  person  can  be  bound  to 
break  the  Sabbath,  to  do  a fraudulent  business, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


221 


Their  rights.  Reasonable  employment. 

or  assist  therein,  or  in  any  other  way  incur  the 
displeasure  of  the  Most  High.  And  therefore, 
no  person,  a professor  of  religion  especially, 
should  continue  under  such  arrangements  as 
expose  them  to  a temptation  to  such  a course. 
Let  them  rather  leave  their  situation,  than  con- 
tinue in  it,  at  the  sacrifice  of  a good  conscience, 
and  the  favor  of  God. 

The  power  of  such  an  example  on  families  in 
which  you  reside,  is  incalculable,  both  on  parents 
and  children,  and  especially  on  others,  sustain- 
ing the  same  relation  with  yourselves.  These 
are  the  arguments,  in  part,  by  which  we  enforce 
the  duties  enjoined  in  the  text.  These  motives 
address  themselves  both  to  your  reason, your  feel- 
ing, and  your  temporal  and  eternal  interests,  as 
the  only  way  to  reputation,  gain,  and  godliness, 
which  has  the  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is, 
and  of  that  which  is  to  come. 

III.  We  shall  point  out  some  of  the  rights  of 
persons  in  those  relations,  with  the  corresponding 
obligations  of  master  and  employers. 

1.  Their  employment  should  be  reasonable ; 
such  as  is  fit  and  proper  considering  their  age, 
health,  capabilities,  and  wages.  Although  it  is 
not  true  in  every  case,  yet  as  a general  rule,  em- 
ployers are  supposed  to  have  a better  under- 
19* 


222 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Advantages  of  employer.  Its  abuse. 

standing  of  the  value  of  labor,  than  those  whom 
they  employ,  and  also  of  the  difficulties  attending 
it  in  any  given  case,  and  hence  have  the  advan- 
tage in  forming  a contract.  And  it  is  to  be 
feared,  that,  in  too  many  instances,  they  avail 
themselves  of  this  superiority  to  ensnare  their 
fellow-men  of  less  discernment,  or  whose  press- 
ing necessities  compel  them  to  accept  of  employ- 
ment, on  almost  any  terms.  How  many  are 
induced  by  fair  speeches  and  misrepresentations, 
to  engage  to  do  what  is  actually  impracticable, 
or  cannot  be  accomplished  without  great  sacrifice 
of  health,  and  exposure  of  life,  and  all  for  a very 
uncertain  and  meagre  compensation.  The  va- 
rious cases  to  which  this  remark  applies,  will 
readily  occur  to  the  reader.  And  it  deserves  to 
be  noticed  with  emphatic  detestation,  that  the 
more  poor  and  dependent  the  hireling,  the 
greater  his  exposure  to  this  form  of  injustice  and 
oppression;  a poor  widow,  an  orphan  boy  or 
girl,  an  alien,  or  a stranger,  or  a half-witted 
person,  one  who  is  without  friends,  or  depressed 
in  circumstances,  is  by  far,  more  liable  thus  to  be 
injured  by  the  avaricious  policy  of  iron-hearted 
men,  than  persons  differently  conditioned  in  life; 
whereas  the  very  fact  of  their  destitution  strength- 
ens their  claims  on  our  sympathy  and  protection, 
and  dyes  to  crimson  hue,  the  unmitigated  wick- 
edness of  their  oppressors. 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


223 


Employment  of  apprentices.  Intellectual  Improvement. 

The  employment  of  an  apprentice  should  be 
enforced  by  reasonable  discipline.  Let  a master 
have  his  rules  for  the  government  of  his  family; 
let  those  rules  be  according  to  the  word  of  God; 
let  them  be  distinctly  understood  by  all  who  come 
under  his  care,  and  let  them  be  administered 
with  a steady  and  an  impartial  hand;  and  he  will 
find  comparatively  little  difficulty  in  preserving 
order  in  his  family,  and  regularity  in  his  busi- 
ness. As  he  is  not  obliged  to  extend  in  every 
respect,  the  same  indulgence  to  an  apprentice  as 
to  his  own  children,  so  neither  is  he  at  liberty  to 
exercise  over  them  a greater  severity.  The  great 
end  of  all  corrective  discipline,  is  improvement; 
and  he  certainly  understands  his  duty  very  im- 
perfectly as  a father,  or  a master,  who  will  allow 
his  children  to  do  with  impunity  that  for  which 
he  would’chastise  his  servants.  It  is  true,  that 
this  is  the  policy,  however,  adopted  in  many  fa- 
milies; but  if  chastisement  is  inflicted  for  the 
punishment  of  wrong,  and  not  merely  for  the 
relief  of  passion,  it  is  manifestly  an  egregious 
error,  and  frequently  the  certain  forerunner  of 
prodigality,  vice,  and  ruin. 

To  be  reasonable,  their  employment  should 
also  allow  of  opportunity  for  intellectual  and 
moral  improvement.  And  this  the  more  readily, 
as  it  needs  not  take  from  their  hours  of  regular 


224 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


An  additional  fact.  Right  to  protection. 

toil,  and  will  afford  an  excellent  and  profitable 
relaxation,  alike  creditable  and  advantageous  to 
both  the  parties. 

Under  this  view  of  the  subject,  allow  me  to 
suggest  the  additional  fact,  that  the  reflections 
arising  out  of  a state  of  destitution,  or  orphan- 
age, on  some  forms  of  character,  will  at  times 
almost  disqualify  them  for  business,  and,  there- 
fore, masters  should  reflect,  that  when  they  look 
upon  those  under  them  as  indolent  and  sullen, 
they  may  be  laboring  under  some  deep  depres- 
sion or  melancholy  arising  out  of  their  isolated 
condition  in  life.  Peradventure  the  servant  or 
apprentice  is  an  orphan,  without  father,  or 
mother,  or  home;  he  has  no  special  friend  on 
earth  to  whom  he  can  disclose  the  anxieties  that 
heave  his  throbbing  bosom;  it  may  be  that  his 
heart  is  bleeding  over  the  decease  of  his  parents, 
or  he  is  recounting  the  sorrows  of  his  childhood, 
which  sent  him  so  early  in  life  a wanderer  from 
home;  and  hence  God  has  commanded  that 
masters  shall  forbear  threatening,  knowing  that 
they  also  have  a Master  in  heaven;  neither  is 
there  respect  of  persons  with  him.”  Eph.  vi,  9. 

2.  Their  protection  should  be  ample . Every 
man  is,  in  a certain  sense,  the  keeper  of  all  under 
his  family  government.  And  as  such  he  is  bound 
to  watch  over  them  for  good,  and  to  defend  them 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


225 


Masters  are  to  protect  those  under  their  care. 

against  injury  in  principles,  habits,  and  charac- 
ter. As  a father  has  more  authority  and  influ- 
ence in  the  domestic  government  than  the  child, 
so  the  master  is  presumed  to  have  more  than  the 
servant,  and  is,  therefore,  both  by  a natural 
and  moral  appointment  of  God,  his  “ brother’s 
keeper.”  As  such,  he  is  to  protect  their  persons; 
their  health  and  limbs  are  not  to  be  needlessly 
exposed  to  gratify  his  caprice,  or  to  promote  his 
pecuniary  interests.  He  is  to  protect  their  morals, 
and  not  to  suffer  sin  upon  them;  “ he  is  culpable 
if  he  permit  any  vices  among  his  domestics, 
which  he  might  restrain  by  due  discipline  and 
proper  interference.  This  results  from  the  gene- 
ral obligation  to  prevent  misery  when  in  our 
power;  and  the  assurance  that  we  have,  that 
vice  and  misery,  at  the  long  run,  go  together. 
Care  to  maintain  in  his  family  a sense  of  virtue 
and  religion,  received  a divine  approbation  in 
the  person  of  Abraham,”  Gen.  xviii,  19:  “I  know 
him,  that  he  will  command  his  children,  and  his 
household  after  him,  and  they  shall  keep  the  way 
of  the  Lord,  to  do  justice  and  judgment.”  But 
is  this  done,  when  a master  places  his  appren- 
tices under  the  care  or  in  the  society  of  men, 
whose  whole  vocabulary  is  a collection  of  ob- 
scene and  blasphemous  expressions,  and  whose 
very  breath  is  pollution.  He  might  as  safely 


226 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE* 


A just  recompense  should  be  given. 

trust  their  lives  with  a royal  tiger  in  the  jungles 
of  Bengal,  as  their  morals  with  such  a monster. 

Once  more,  he  should  defend  them  against  all 
vile  and  corrupting  associations,  and  endeavor 
deeply  to  impress  on  their  minds  the  fact,  that 
“evil  communications  corrupt  good  manners.” 
And  especially  let  him  preserve  them  from  all 
those  secret  combinations  which  are  bound  to- 
gether under  the  solemnities  of  an  oath. 

3.  Their  recompense  should  be  just . Every 
person  who  labors  for  stipulated  wages,  ought 
to  receive  those  wages  to  the  last  mite.  They 
are  not  only  to  be  paid,  but  paid  according  to 
agreement ; the  poor  are  not  to  be  oppressed  in 
their  wages.  And  in  order  to  this,  says  Paley, 
clerks  and  apprentices  ought  to  be  employed 
entirely  in  the  profession  or  trade  they  are  in- 
tended to  learn.  Instruction  is  their  hire,  and  to 
deprive  them  of  the  opportunities  of  instruction, 
by  taking  up  their  time  with  occupations  foreign 
to  their  business,  is  to  defraud  them  of  their 
wages. 

The  laborer  is  to  have  a fair  and  just  reward 
for  his  services.  Advantage  is  not  to  be  taken 
of  his  indigence,  want  of  discrimination,  or  any 
other  unfavorable  circumstance,  to  extort  from 
him  labor  below  its  current  value.  And  hence 
those  little  artifices  adopted  to  decoy  the  poor 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


227 


Oppressive  systems.  St.  James. 

into  agreements  to  labor  for  less  than  they  can 
obtain  elsewhere,  or  for  less  than  an  equivalent, 
are  so  many  infractions  of  the  moral  law  of  God. 
Masters  are,  in  this,  to  do  unto  others  as  they 
would  that  they  should  do  unto  them ; they  are 
* to  give  unto  their  servants  that  which  is  just  and 
equal,  bearing  in  mind  that  they  also  have  a 
Master  in  heaven.  Col.  iv,  1. 

The  wages  of  the  laborer  are  to  be  paid  accord- 
ing to  contract,  or  according  to  justice.  The  em- 
ployer is  not  to  pay  his  laborers  in  orders  and 
drafts  upon  others,  where  his  money  will  be  fif- 
teen or  twenty  per  cent,  below  its  value,  nor 
is  he  to  extort  from  them  enormous  prices  for 
the  necessaries  of  life,  as  if  he  would  thereby 
swallow  up  their  little  earnings.  Owing  to  this 
wicked  policy,  which  prevails  to  a fearful  extent, 
in  some  sections  of  our  own  country,  many,  who 
are  nominally  free,  are  actually  slaves.  To  the 
authors  and  abettors  of  this  nefarious  system  of 
oppression,  we  may  apply  the  burning  language 
of  St.  James:  “ Go  to,  now,  ye  rich  men;  weep 
and  howl  for  your  miseries  that  shall  come  upon 
you.  Your  riches  are  corrupted,  and  your  gar- 
ments are  moth-eaten.  Your  gold  and  silver  is 
cankered;  and  the  rust  of  them  shall  be  a witness 
against  you,  and  shall  eat  your  flesh  as  it  were 
fire.  Ye  have  heaped  treasure  together  for  the 


228 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Oppressive  systems.  Job. 

last  days.  Behold,  the  hire  of  the  laborers  who 
have  reaped  down  your  fields,  which  is  of  you 
kept  back  by  fraud,  crieth:  and  the  cries  of  them 
which  have  reaped  are  entered  into  the  ears  of 
the  Lord  of  Sabaoth.”  Chap,  v,  1 — 4. 

These  are  some  of  the  duties  of  masters  and 
employers  towards  such  as  are  under  their  con- 
trol; and  they  are  to  remember  and  lay  to  heart, 
that  the  relation  of  master  and  servant  is  a mere 
circumstance  of  the  present  life;  that  no  man  is 
the  better,  in  the  sight  of  God,  for  being  a mas- 
ter, nor  is  any  one  the  worse  for  sustaining  the 
subordinate  relation  of  a servant.  Moral  charac- 
ter is  every  thing  with  God:  and  this  does  by  no 
means  depend  on  these  merely  outward  circum- 
stances of  this  world,  but  on  the  right  exercise  of 
our  affections  towards  the  Lord,  and  the  faithful 
discharge  of  our  personal  and  relative  duties. 

This  principle  is  well  established  in  the  moral 
administration  of  God,  and  hence  has  been  most 
sacredly  regarded  by  the  truly  pious  of  all  ages. 
Take  the  testimony  of  pious  Job  on  this  inter- 
esting question:  “If  I did  despise  the  cause  of 
my  man  servant,  or  my  maid  servant,  when  they 
contended  with  me;  what  then  shall  I do  when 
God  riseth  up  ? and,  when  he  visiteth,  what  shall 
I answer  him?  Did  not  he  that  made  me  in  the 
womb  make  him?  and  did  not  one  fashion  us  in 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


229 


Religion  does  not  change  our  civil  relations. 

the  womb?  If  I have  lifted  up  my  hand  against 
the  fatherless,  when  I saw  my  help  in  the  gate; 
then  let  my  arm  fall  from  my  shoulder-blade, 
and  mine  arm  be  broken  from  the  bone.  For 
destruction  from  God  was  a terror  to  me,  and 
by  reason  of  his  highness  I could  not  endure. 
Chap,  xxi,  13 — 15.  21 — 23. 

We  conclude  with  a few  words  of  recapitula- 
tion. Let  as  many  servants  as  are  under  the 
yoke  count  their  own  masters  worthy  of  all 
honor,  that  the  name  of  God  and  his  doctrine 
be  not  blasphemed.  And  they  that  have  believ- 
ing masters,  let  them  not  despise  them,  affecting 
equality  in  the  domestic  circle,  or  civil  regula- 
tions of  society,  because  they  are  brethren;  but 
rather  do  them  service,  because  they  are  faith- 
ful and  beloved  partakers  of  the  benefit.  “ The 
civil  state  in  which  a man  was  before  his  conver- 
sion, is  not  altered  by  that  conversion,  nor  does 
the  grace  of  God  absolve  him  from  any  claims, 
which  either  the  state  or  his  neighbor  may  have 
upon  him.” 

You,  my  brethren,  as  subordinate  members  of 
the  domestic  circle,  have  your  peculiar  trials, 
temptations,  and  discouragements,  but  then  you 
are  assured  that  as  your  day  is,  your  grace  shall 
be;  and,  also,  that  the  way  to  preferment  is  open 
to  all,  and  that  if  you  are  faithful  in  the  posts 
20 


230 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Conclusion. 


you  now  occupy,  it  will  lead  on  to  places  of 
greater  advantage  and  comfort.  Look  over  the 
history  of  your  country;  behold  how  many  have 
risen  from  the  humblest  condition  in  life  to  places 
of  the  greatest  trust,  influence,  and  responsibility, 
by  patient  continuance  in  well  doing.  Never 
allow  yourself  to  be  dispirited,  or  to  suspend 
exertion,  but  patiently  follow  on  through  the 
opening  providences  of  God,  governing  your 
life,  by  the  simple  rule  of  seeking  first  the  king- 
dom of  God,  and  his  righteousness,  and  all  these 
things  shall  be  added  unto  you.  If  you  are  poor, 
remember  that  the  Son  of  God  has  sanctified  the 
state  of  poverty;  heaven  has  put  very  special 
honor  on  the  poor  man’s  lot;  the  only  begotten 
of  the  Father  was  born  in  a manger;  he  lived 
without  house  or  home,  died  upon  the  cross,  and 
was  buried  in  the  tomb  of  a stranger.  Consider 
the  present  world  as  a fleeting,  fading  scene.  In 
all  things  make  the  will  of  God  the  rule,  and  his 
glory  the  end  of  your  being.  Thus  you  will 
escape  the  corruptions  that  are  in  the  world,  and 
being  made  a partaker  of  the  Divine  Nature,  you 
will  at  last  be  saved,  with  the  power  of  an  end- 
less life. 

If  any,  in  the  capacity  of  masters,  will  assume 
the  responsibility  of  acting  in  open  violation  of 
the  moral  precepts  of  Christ,  let  them  look  to  it, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


231 


Conclusion. 

for  there  is  a God  in  heaven  who  judges  righte- 
ously; and  he  has  adopted  as  his  own  cause, 
and  taken  upon  himself  to  maintain  the  rights, 
and  to  avenge  the  wrongs  of  the  poor.  He  is  a 
God  of  truth,  without  partiality,  just  and  right 
is  he. 


DISCOURSE  VI. 


GOD’S  METHOD  OF  WEIGHING  THE  ACTIONS  OF 
MEN. 

Sam.  ii,  3.  “ The  Lord  is  a God  of  knowledge,  and  by  Him 
are  actions  weighed.” 

To  trace  the  relation  of  these  words  to  the 
context,  and  to  explain  the  history  in  which  we 
find  them,  would  require  a course  of  reflections 
not  precisely  suited  to  the  pulpit,  and  would, 
perhaps,  be  a misappropriation  of  our  time.  To 
develope  the  strong  moral  principles  they  em- 
brace, and  to  bring  them  home  to  our  hearts  and 
consciences,  may  be  equally  as  interesting,  and 
decidedly  a more  profitable  employment. 

The  character  of  Almighty  God,  as  intimated 
in  the  text,  is  in  perfect  contrast  with  what  we 
know  of  human  nature,  from  every  day’s  obser- 
vation. “ The  Lord  is  a God  of  knowledge,  and 
by  Him  actions  are  weighed;”  but  man  is  an 
imperfect  and  a short-sighted  creature,  whose 
recollections  of  the  past  are  defective  and  con- 
fused, whose  knowledge  of  the  future  is  mere 
matter  of  conjecture  or  favor  from  God, and  whose 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


233 


Introduction. 

understanding  of  the  numerous  subjects  around 
him,  is  limited  to  their  names,  and  some  few  of 
the  purposes,  to  which  they  may  be  applied. 

On  almost  every  topic  that  enlivens  the  con- 
versation of  the  fireside,  that  occupies  the  atten- 
tion of  the  public  through  the  medium  of  the 
press,  or  that  calls  forth  the  energies  and  resour- 
ces of  the  pulpit,  it  is  a conceded  point,  that  we 
know  but  in  part.  True  as  this  is  of  every  other 
question,  it  is  still  more  strikingly  true  of  many 
of  the  more  interesting  and  important  events  in 
the  moral  history  of  each  individual  man;  and 
yet  notwithstanding,  it  is  deserving  of  remark, 
that  on  these  very  subjects,  our  precipitancy  in 
judgment  is  so  perfectly  conformed  to  the  limited 
nature  of  our  information,  that  the  one  might,  in 
most  instances,  be  regarded  as  the  rule  of  the 
other,  or  these  two  might  be  supposed  to  sustain 
the  relation  of  cause  and  effect. 

Behold,  then,  in  the  character  of  Jehovah,  a 
standing  reproof  of  the  arrogance  and  the  igno- 
rant presumption  of  man;  for  although  a God  of 
knowledge,  He  weighs  the  actions  of  men. 
From  Him  let  us  learn  to  judge,  not  from  appear- 
ances, but  to  judge  righteous  judgment. 

Instead  of  pursuing  these  reflections  further, 
we  shall 


20* 


23  4 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


His  knowledge  defined. 

I.  Make  some  remarks  on  the  knowledge  of 
God. 

IL  Show  that,  in  the  light  of  this  knowledge, 
he  will  weigh  the  actions  of  man. 

I.  Make  some  remarks  on  the  knowledge  of 
God. 

When  we  speak  of  knowledge  as  an  attribute 
of  human  character,  we  refer  to  that  state  of 
mental  enlargement  and  improvement,  of  which 
the  human  mind  is  capable,  or  to  which  it  has 
been  elevated,  through  the  power  of  education. 
But  knowledge  in  man,  is  always  of  necessity 
comparatively  limited;  the  weakness  of  his  fa- 
culties, the  brevity  of  his  life,  and  the  numerous 
cares  and  afflictions  attendant  on  his  present 
state  of  being,  all  present  barriers  of  fearful  mag- 
nitude to  the  enlargement  of  his  intellectual  re- 
search, and  to  the  accumulation  of  those  facts  and 
deductions,  the  possession  of  which  constitutes 
a man  of  knowledge. 

But  when  we  raise  our  minds  to  the  great 
Father  of  Spirits,  the  Lord  of  life  and  of  glory, 
we  contemplate  an  elevation  where  none  of 
these  difficulties  attend  the  operation  of  mind, 
and  where  they  cannot  in  any  way  impair  the 
conception,  or  mislead  the  judgment  of  the  un- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


235 


God’s  knowledge  essential. 

derstanding,  for  the  simple  reason  that  he  is  a 
God  of  knowledge. 

The  knowledge  of  God  is  that  distinct  and 
complete  perception,  which  he  has  of  all  beings 
and  things  that  do  or  that  can  exist.  It  compre- 
hends their  essence,  attributes,  relations,  and 
tendencies,  and  all  that  is  mysterious  in  their 
origin,  wonderful  in  the  progressive  development 
of  their  nature,  or  eventful  in  its  consummation 
or  overthrow.  It  marks  the  rise  and  influence 
of  every  cause  and  agency  in  the  material,  intel- 
lectual, and  moral  departments  of  his  works,  and 
traces  the  nature,  number,  and  magnitude  of 
their  effects;  in  a word,  the  universal  range  of 
matter  and  mind,  whatever  may  be  the  mode  of 
its  existence,  or  the  place  of  its  location. 

This  knowledge  belongs  essentially  to  God. 
He  is  a God  of  knowledge  as  he  is  a God  of 
truth,  of  holiness,  and  of  power;  it  is  not  more 
essential  to  Him  to  be  uncaused  in  his  being, 
than  it  is  that  he  be  independent  in  his  know- 
ledge. All  other  knowledge  is  derived,  whether 
it  be  that  of  angels  or  of  men.  If  not  received 
by  direct  revelation  from  God,  it  is  obtained  by 
the  careful  exercise  and  cultivation  of  their  in- 
tellectual powers.  It  is,  therefore,  progressive 
in  its  nature,  and  is  gradually  rising  into  clearer 
views  of  the  various  topics  on  which  it  is  exer- 


236 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


And  also  absolute. 


cised.  But  the  knowledge  of  God  is  underived; 
it  is  independent;  as  there  was  none  before  Him, 
so  there  is  none  equal  to  Him.  Of  all  created 
beings,  it  may  be  said  there  was  a time  when 
they  had  but  one  idea,  then  two,  &c.  But  the 
Lord  is  a God  of  knowledge;  what  he  now  un- 
derstands, he  always  understood,  nothing  is  new 
to  Him,  nor  can  any  thing  be  old  as  the  subject 
of  His  knowledge.  The  ideas  He  now  has,  He 
always  had,  and  will  have  forever.  He  is  the 
high  and  lofty  One  that  inhabiteth  eternity, 
whose  understanding  is  infinite,  whose  know- 
ledge is  unsearchable,  and  whose  judgments  are 
past  finding  out.  Hence  saith  the  prophet,  “ who 
hath  directed  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  or  being  his 
counsellor  hath  taught  him?  With  whom  took 
He  counsel,  and  who  instructed  and  taught 
Him  knowledge,  and  showed  to  Him  the  way 
of  understanding?” 

But  the  knowledge  of  God  is  absolute . It  not 
only  extends  to  all  things  that  can  be  known, 
but  it  fully  comprehends  all  to  which  it  extends. 
The  past,  the  present,  and  the  future,  are  all 
equally  present  with  Him.  There  is  no  height 
nor  depth,  no  oblivious  shades  of  the  past,  nor 
unexplored  regions  in  the  immensity  of  the 
future,  on  which  His  omniscient  eye,  does  not 
rest  with  fixed  and  searching  gaze.  As  He  fills 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


237 


'Nothing  mysterious  to  God. 

all  space  with  His  presence,  so  He  comprehends 
all  duration  by  His  knowledge.  As  He  is  every 
where  to  uphold  all  things  by  the  word  of  His 
power,  so  does  He  pervade  all  duration,  inhabit- 
ing eternity,  to  know  the  end  from  the  begin- 
ning. 

“ Oh  wondrous  knowledge,  deep  and  high! 

Where  can  a creature  hide!” 

To  us,  some  things  are  secret,  but  to  God 
there  are  no  secrets.  That  which  is  done  in  the 
dark,  is  as  if  it  had  transpired  in  the  light,  and 
that  which  was  spoken  in  the  ear  in  the  closet, 
as  if  it  had  been  proclaimed  upon  the  house-top. 
To  us,  some  things  are  imperfectly  known,  be- 
cause they  are  remote  in  their  location,  but  God 
is  every  where ; and  the  adoring  seraph  that 
burns  at  the  foot  of  the  throne,  is  not  more  per- 
fectly understood,  in  all  the  elements  of  his  intel- 
lectual and  moral  worth,  than  those  kindred 
spirits  who  explore  the  remotest  regions  in  the 
immensity  of  space.  To  us,  some  things  are 
mysterious,  but  to  God  there  are  no  mysteries; 
none  in  nature,  none  in  providence,  none  in 
grace. 

To  Him  the  whole  economy  of  nature  is  per- 
fectly simple  in  its  construction,  and  regular  and 
harmonious  in  its  operations.  To  Him  there  are 
no  intricacies  or  perplexities  in  Providence;  He 


238 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


God’s  knowledge  a rule  of  judgment. 

brings  light  out  of  darkness,  order  out  of  confu- 
sion, and  even  causes  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise 
Him.  So,  also,  in  redemption,  which  stretches 
out  before  us  as  an  illuminated  and  fathomless 
ocean  of  light,  of  truth  and  loveliness.  To  us, 
it  is  illimitable,  but  God  meteth  it  out  with  a 
span.  To  us  it  is  unfathomable,  but  God  holdeth 
the  waters  of  life  in  the  hollow  of  his  hand.  Its 
profoundest  depths,  its  comprehensive  range,  its 
mysterious  and  hallowing  power  on  the  human 
mind;  every  thing,  from  the  immaculate  concep- 
tion of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  the  regeneration  of  the 
human  soul,  is  perfectly  understood  by  Him,  for 
He  is  a God  of  knowledge. 

When  we  contemplate  this  truth,  either  ab- 
stractly, or  as  it  is  exemplified  in  the  works  of 
creation  and  providence,  it  is  one  of  great  and 
overwhelming  power  and  sublimity.  But  viewed 
in  its  obvious  relation  to  the  moral  principles  and 
habits  of  men,  as  the  light  in  which  they  appear 
to  the  Almighty,  and  as  the  rule  according  to 
which  he  will  try  our  actions,  it  is  one  of  fearful 
and  startling  import.  But  this  is  the  view  given 
of  the  subject  in  the  text,  and  to  this  aspect  of 
the  question  we  turn  in  order 

II.  To  show  that  in  the  light  of  this  know- 
ledge he  will  weigh  the  actions  of  men. 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


239 


What  is  implied  in  weighing  actions. 

The  text  manifestly  intimates  that  the  know- 
ledge of  God  is  the  light  in  which  things  appear 
to  him,  and  according  to  which  he  approves  or 
disapproves  of  them.  As  this  knowledge  is  infi- 
nite, he  can  have  no  false  perception  of  any 
thing,  nor  can  he  place  an  improper  estimate  on 
any  of  the  actions  of  men.  With  men,  frequently, 
that  which  is  of  little  worth  is  highly  esteemed, 
while  things  of  infinite  importance  are  set  at 
nought;  but  with  God  actions  are  weighed. 

Weighing  is  a process  by  which  the  intrinsic 
or  relative  value  of  articles  is  ascertained  or 
determined,  and  always  supposes  a standard  of 
value,  a conformity  or  non-conformity  to  which 
determines  the  value  of  the  article  weighed. 
Hence  the  term  is  figuratively  introduced  in  the 
text,  as  intimating  the  exact  manner  in  which 
God  will  examine  and  judge  of  the  actions  of 
men.  Every  thing  has  its  appropriate  measure 
or  law;  the  proper  measure  of  the  actions  of 
intelligent  beings  is  law,  and  of  moral  actions, 
is  moral  law:  and  by  this  standard  the  God  of 
knowledge  will  weigh  the  actions  of  men.  An 
action  may  be  conceived  of  apart  from  its  mo- 
tive and  its  consequences,  simply  in  its  relation 
to  that  moral  rule,  which  is  the  law  of  human 
beings.  And  hence  may  be  good  or  bad  in  itself, 
as  it  answers  the  demands  of  that  law  or  other- 


240 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  actions  of  men  weighed  with  their  motives. 

wise.  No  action  can  be  intrinsically’  good,  what- 
ever the  motive  of  the  actor  or  its  effects  may  be, 
if  contrary  to  the  law  of  God;  for  the  simple  rea- 
son, that  not  human  opinion  or  intention,  but  the 
will  of  God,  is  the  standard  of  right  and  wrong. 
And,  therefore,  actions  are  to  be  weighed  in 
themselves,  because  the  process  of  weighing  is 
for  the  purpose  of  revealing  and  making  mani- 
fest their  moral  qualities.  But  as  we  seldom 
consider  human  conduct  in  this  abstract  light, 
apart  from  motive  and  consequence,  to  name 
this  principle  may  be  sufficient.  We  therefore 
proceed  to  remark,  that  actions  are  to  be  weighed 
in  connection  with  their  motives,  their  circum- 
stances, the  intention  of  the  agent,  and  their 
results. 

First.  Acting  will  be  weighed  in  connection 
with  their  motives.  The  motive  is  that  particu- 
lar consideration  which,  being  presented  to  the 
mind,  determines  it  to  act.  It  is,  therefore,  a cir- 
cumstance which  gives  primary  character  to 
action,  and  fixes  its  reputation  with  God,  before 
it  is  matter  of  cognisance  with  man.  An  act 
may  be  good  in  itself,  when  viewed  apart  from 
its  motive,  whereas,  if  properly  considered,  it 
has  all  the  elements  of  a heinous  wickedness, 
and  is  justly  deserving  of  the  deepest  hell. 

It  is  good  to  feed  the  hungry,  to  clothe  the 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


241 


The  actions  of  men  weighed  with  their  motives. 

naked,  to  perform  the  various  duties  of  religion; 
but  if  the  motive  from  which  these  actions  flow 
be  unsound,  it  changes  their  entire  character  as 
matter  of  acceptable  service  to  God.  The  impu- 
rity of  the  fountain  poisons  the  stream,  and  that 
which  it  was  hoped  would  be  ground  of  com- 
mendation and  reward,  becomes  the  cause  of  a 
harsher  censure  and  a deeper  condemnation. 

As  this  is  an  age  of  much  apparent  liberality 
of  feeling  and  action,  an  age  in  which  all  the 
passions  and  predilections  of  the  human  mind 
are  marshalled  and  brought  into  the  field,  for  the 
accomplishment  of  great  and  benevolent  objects, 
it  may  not  be  amiss,  in  order  to  avoid  a future 
disappointment  in  our  reward,  to  bear  in  mind 
that  actions  are  weighed  in  connection  with  their 
motives . 

The  motive  determines  both  the  nature  and 
time  of  the  reward.  Men  who  perform  their 
works  for  God,  who  have  a regard  for  the  re- 
compense of  well-doing,  will  receive  that  recom- 
pense hereafter.  But  they  who  do  their  works 
to  be  seen  of  men,  to  please  themselves,  to  gratify 
their  pride,  their  prejudice,  or  their  party,  “ verily  Y 
I say  unto  yon,  that  they  have  their  reward/5  so  ' 
far  as  it  may  be  regarded  as  matter  of  benevo- 
lence or  public  good.  But  so  far  as  it  was  ati 
21 


242 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


A classification  of  character. 

act  of  hypocrisy  and  self-seeking,  their  retribu- 
tion is  yet  with  the  Almighty. 

There  is  a class  of  men  whose  liberality  is 
only  the  dictate  of  sheer  good  nature.  What 
they  do,  is  done  under  the  power  of  constitu- 
tional impulse,  without  any  special  regard  to 
moral  principle  or  obligation  to  God.  They 
give  as  readily  to  build  a synagogue  for  Satan, 
as  a temple  for  Jehovah,  and  are  as  ready  to 
hold  stock  in  the  theatre,  as  a seat  in  the  Church 
of  Christ. 

Another  class  there  is  who  mostly  give,  but 
always  do  it  grudgingly.  They  desire  the  reputa- 
tion, but  they  abhor  the  expense  of  being  liberal, 
and  always,  when  called  upon  to  aid  in  any  bene- 
volent enterprise,  experience  a most  painful  strug- 
gle between  inclination  and  character.  They 
desire  to  be  reputed  generous  and  liberal,  but  the 
cost  is  a burden  too  intolerable  to  be  borne,  and 
is  not  borne  if  they  can  manage  to  save  their 
reputation  and  escape. 

We  see  another  class,  whose  contributions  are 
always  regulated  by  a steady  regard  to  praise. 
They  never  give,  unless  it  be  under  such  circum- 
stances as  will  exhibit  them  to  advantage  before 
the  world ! A poor  man  who  needs  a morsel  of 
bread,  or  a garment  to  protect  him  against  the 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


243 


Actions  weighed  with  their  circumstances. 

piercing  cold,  is  hastily  shaken  off  as  a rude  and 
insolent  leech,  from  their  benevolence,  while  the 
agent  of  some  public  institution,  whose  reports 
will  be  duly  made  known  to  the  world,  receives, 
perhaps,  in  the  same  day  or  hour,  a thousand- 
fold more  than  would  have  made  the  poor  man’s 
heart  sing  for  joy,  and  filled  his  lean  and  gloomy 
home  at  least  with  transient  comfort. 

There  is  yet  another  class  of  character*  who 
always  give  both  with  promptitude  and  cheer- 
fulness, not  because  they  are  interested  in  the 
object,  or  pleased  with  the  applicant,  but  because 
they  regard  it  as  a matter  of  duty  to  God.  Be- 
lieving it  better  to  give,  even  to  a hundred  un- 
worthy applicants,  than  to  withhold  from  one 
truly  deserving.  They  always  give  according  to 
the  ability  with  which  God  has  blessed  them. 
Here  it  certainly  is  by  no  means  difficult  to  con- 
jecture whose  actions,  when  weighed  in  the 
balance  of  the  sanctuary,  will  answer  the  de- 
mands of  the  law,  and  who  will  then  be  seen  as 
having  spent  their  strength  for  nought,  and  their 
labor  in  vain. 

Secondly.  Actions  will  be  weighed  in  connec- 
tion with  their  circumstances.  These  are 

Circumstances  of  time  and  place . The  time 
and  place  of  an  act  is  always  a consideration  of 
moment.  The  sons  of  Eli  rendered  themselves 


244 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Various  circumstances. 

specially  offensive  in  the  sight  of  God,  by  the 
perpetration  of  their  wickedness  at  the  door  of 
the  tabernacle,  and  in  the  time  of  the  sacrifices. 
It  evinced  a state  of  the  greatest  abandonment  to 
vice  and  recklessness,  thus  to  rush  into  the  pre- 
sence of  the  Most  High,  and  to  change  the  temple 
of  his  holiness  into  a theatre  of  folly  and  crime. 

If  we  may  readily  conceive  it  possible  on  the 
one  hand,  for  a person  to  be  placed  in  circumstan- 
ces in  which  it  would  be  almost  impracticable  to 
avoid  sin,  of  which  the  history  of  Joseph  furnishes 
an  instance,  so  on  the  other  we  can  specify  situ- 
ations in  life,  in  which  it  would  require  a very 
great  want  of  correct  principle,  to  run  into  wick- 
edness. The  sons  of  Eli  above  alluded  to,  are  a 
case  in  point. 

Now,  if  it  be  an  aggravation  of  treason  and 
rebellion  to  attempt  the  life  of  a monarch  on  his 
throne  and  in  the  midst  of  his  ministers,  surely 
it  is  a circumstance  highly  aggravating,  to  sin 
against  God  in  his  holy  temple,  and  in  the  time 
of  his  worship,  to  blaspheme  his  fearful  name  at 
the  foot  of  his  altar,  and  venture  thus  into  the 
very  light  of  heaven,  with  the  dispositions  and 
the  intentions  of  fiends. 

There  are  also  circumstances  of  grace  and 
mercy . That  it  does  please  Almighty  God  fre- 
quently to  pour  out  his  holy  spirit  in  an  unusual 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


245 


Various  circumstances. 

manner,  on  the  church,  and  on  the  world,  is  cer- 
tain; and  it  is  not  less  certain  that  these  seasons 
afford  special  advantages  to  men  for  moral  and 
spiritual  improvement;  and,  of  course,  impose 
corresponding  obligations. 

Again,  there  are  circumstances  of  wrath  and 
judgment.  When  the  Almighty  rises  up  out  of 
his  holy  place,  and  shakes  terribly  the  earth,  and 
the  sinners  in  Zion  are  afraid,  and  fearfulness 
surpriseth  the  hypocrite;  then  saith  the  prophet, 
“ When  thy  judgments  are  abroad  in  the  earth, 
the  inhabitants  will  learn  righteousness.” 

Now  the  Lord  is  a God  of  knowledge,  his  un- 
derstanding is  infinite,  and  by  him  actions  are 
weighed;  weighed  in  connection  with  their  cir- 
cumstances. There  is  the  worldling,  who  inter- 
rupts a serious  discourse  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  with 
this  request,  “ J^ord,  speak  to  my  brother,  that 
he  divide  the  inheritance  with  me.”  He  ought 
to  have  said,  “ What  shall  I do  to  inherit  eternal 
life  ?”  “ How  shall  I escape  the  wrath  to  come?” 
But  with  the  Son  of  God  before  him  for  his  in- 
structor, his  mind  was  engrossed  with  the  things 
of  this  life;  he  was  willing  that  Christ  should 
adjust  his  temporal  difficulties,  but  cared  not  that 
he  should  enlighten  his  soul — as  many  now 
value  their  ministers  the  more,  as  they  are  clever, 
21* 


246 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Illustration  of  principle. 

jovial,  business  men,  than  as  they  are  men  of 
piety  and  fidelity  in  their  office. 

Behold  Judas,  who,  while  his  Lord  was  dis- 
coursing on  the  subject  of  his  approaching  pas- 
sion, praying  with  and  for  his  disciples  with 
holiest  fervor  and  sympathy— there  he  sat,  set- 
tling in  his  mind  the  price  of  his  Master,  and 
resolving  to  sell  him  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver. 
Like  some  in  our  own  times,  who,  while  they 
sit  under  the  word  of  life,  meditate  the  ruin  of 
those  that  preach  it  to  them.  Reader,  art  thou 
the  man  ? 

There  was  Ananias,  who,  in  a time  of  great 
religious  excitement  in  the  church,  resolved  to  be 
liberal,  but  afterwards,  yielding  to  his  natural 
love  of  the  world,  he  refused  to  redeem  his  pro- 
mise, lied  to  conceal  his  dishonesty,  was  smitten 
of  God,  and  died. 

In  all  these  cases  it  will  be  seen,  that  the  cir- 
cumstances give  character  to  the  action,  and  in 
judging  of  the  one,  the  other  must  be  taken  into 
the  account. 

Thirdly.  Actions  will  be  weighed  in  connec- 
tion with  their  design  or  the  intention  of  the 
agent. 

Men  not  unfrequently  intend  more  evil  than 
they  are  actually  able  to  accomplish;  they  also 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


247 


Actions  weighed  with  the  intention. 

fall  short  of  the  good  they  previously  designed. 
In  both  instances  they  are  judged  of  according 
to  the  actual  results,  but  God  fixes  the  reputation 
of  the  deed  by  reference  to  the  intention,  and 
therefore  the  widow’s  mite  was  more  acceptable 
to  him,  than  the  abundance  of  the  more  ostenta- 
tious contributors;  for  if  there  be  first  a willing 
mind,  it  is  accepted  according  to  that  which  a 
man  hath. 

The  Lord  said  to  David,  “ thou  didst  well,  that 
it  was  in  thy  heart  to  build  me  a house,”  although 
the  work  was  reserved  for  another  person.  Thus 
it  was  well  for  Whitfield  to  intend  to  project  the 
plan  of  his  orphan-house  in  Georgia : It  was 
well  for  Dr.  Coke  to  intend  his  East  India  mis- 
sions, for  although  these  holy  men  were  not  per- 
mitted to  realise  all  their  fond  expectations,  their 
views  Avere  obviously  in  accordance  with  the 
counsels  of  the  Most  High;  and  in  the  providence 
of  God,  they  pointed  to  fields  of  labor  that  others 
were  to  occupy:  and  certainly  in  that  day  when 
actions  are  weighed,  the  benevolence  of  the  in- 
tention will  add  mightily  to  the  reputation  of 
their  deeds. 

And  then  the  unlawful  cravings  of  avarice  will 
also  be  scrutinised  as  theft  and  robbery;  the 
dark,  cruel  musings  of  malice  will  be  punished 
as  murder;  and  the  evil  glances  of  licentious 


248 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Actions  weighed  with  their  results. 

love  will  be  turned  into  hell  as  adultery.  For 
he  that  said,  thou  shalt  not  steal,  also  said,  thou 
shalt  not  covet;  and  the  authority  that  said,  thou 
shall  not  kill,  has  also  declared,  that  he  that 
hateth  his  brother  is  a murderer.  See  Matt,  v, 
26,  27. 

Fourthly.  Actions  are  to  be  weighed  in  con- 
nection with  their  results. 

Men  most  generally,  when  they  perform  an 
act,  especially  if  it  be  of  doubtful  tendency,  fix 
to  themselves  certain  limits,  within  which  its 
consequences  are  to  be  confined.  But  all  such 
restrictive  regulations,  imposed  upon  our  own 
deeds,  are  perfectly  the  work  of  the  imagina- 
tion. While  the  thought  is  yet  in  the  heart,  and 
the  word  remains  in  the  tongue,  they  may  be 
easily  suppressed,  and  although  in  themselves 
displeasing  to  God,  exert  no  deleterious  influence 
over  the  affairs  of  others.  But  when  that  thought 
becomes  embodied  in  words,  or  that  desire  of 
the  heart  starts  into  the  existence  of  a palpable 
deed,  it  is  then  immortal,  it  becomes  an  active 
principle  in  society,  a circulating  medium  of  good 
or  evil,  and  aids  or  injures  multitudes  of  whom 
its  author  will  never  hear,  until  actions  are 
weighed  in  connection  with  their  results.  To 
place  this  in  a clearer  light,  accompany  me  in  the 
following  remarks: 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


249 


Various  characters. 


Child  of  avarice. 


That  miserable  child  of  avarice  and perdition, 
the  devotee  of  cards  and  dice,  whose  only  prayer 
and  purpose  under  heaven  is  to  dupe  and  defraud 
his  fellow  men,  does  not,  perhaps,  design  all  the 
withering  consequences  that  attend  his  heartless 
trade.  He  did  not  design  to  drive  a father  to 
distraction,  to  break  the  heart  of  a tender  female, 
a wife,  a mother;  to  reduce  a family  of  innocent 
and  helpless  children  to  beggary  and  ruin.  No, 
he  did  not  intend,  nor  did  he  care  to  prevent  it. 
Urged  on  by  the  cruel  lust  of  gain,  he  resolves 
to  make  every  thing  bend  to  his  own  purposes; 
he  closed  his  own  eyes  upon  consequences,  and 
left  others  to  grapple  with  them  as  they  might 
be  able.  But  is  he,  therefore,  excusable,  either 
before  the  world,  or  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth? 
Certainly  not.  The  incendiary  who  casts  a fire- 
brand, not  caring  where  it  falls,  to  the  destruc- 
tion of  your  property,  and  asks,  am  I not  in 
sport?  or  the  assassin,  who  discharges  his  fire- 
arms into  the  busy  throng  of  industrious  men,  to 
the  loss  of  limb  or  life,  is  not  more  truly  guilty 
than  he. 

The  libertine , who  by  many  a base  and  un- 
manly art,  by  perjuring  his  conscience,  and  sell- 
ing his  soul,  and  who  had  at  last  succeeded  in 
destroying  the  object  of  his  criminal  affection,  did 
not  intend  all  the  gloomy  results  that  ensued; 


250 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


The  slanderer. 

the  ruined  mother,  the  murdered  child,  the  death- 
less infamy  on  earth,  the  ceaseless  torture  in  hell 
— no,  he  did  not  intend  them,  nor  did  he  care  to 
prevent  them.  He  would  not,  and  therefore,  per- 
haps he  did  not  see  all  the  consequences.  But 
is  his  perverseness  to  be  his  apology,  and  because 
he  ruined  your  child  with  his  eyes  shut,  closed 
for  the  purpose,  is  he,  therefore,  not  a murderer? 

The  slanderer , who  secretly  set  an  evil  sus- 
picion in  motion,  smiled  as  it  formed  into  rumor, 
and  exulted  as  it  gained  credence  in  the  neigh- 
borhood or  the  church,  fancied  to  himself,  at 
first,  certain  limits  within  which  its  effects  would 
be  confined.  But  an  ordinary  degree  of  atten- 
tion would  have  seen  these  limits  yielding  as  the 
air,  and  boundless  as  the  horizon  of  humane 
existence.  And  was  he  not  capable  of  that  re- 
flection; and  was  he  not  under  obligation  to  exer- 
cise it,  in  all  cases,  and  more  especially  in  those 
which  concern  the  welfare  and  happiness  of 
others?  Most  unquestionably  he  was;  and  is, 
therefore,  justly  chargeable  with  the  first,  and 
also  the  final  result — the  consequences  which 
he  might  so  easily  have  foreseen  and  prevented, 
and  which  in  refusing  to  prevent  he  has  consti- 
tuted his  own. 

The  unfeeling  child  of  plenty , who  turned 
from  his  door  the  hand  of  supplicating  indigence, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


251 


The  unfeeling’.  Ministers. 

to  shiver  and  perish  in  the  winter  cold,  did  not 
intend  to  be  guilty  of  a brother’s  blood,  but 
such  was  the  effect — the  natural,  legitimate,  and 
speedy«effect.  And  who  will  answer  for  it  at  the 
bar  of  God,  when  actions  are  weighed  ? Not 
merely  the  morsel  of  bread  refused,  but  also  the 
consequences  of  the  refusal  will  be  weighed  by 
Him  who  even  now  asks,  “ Cain,  where  is  thy 
brother?”  In  vain  you  reply,  “ Am  I my  bro- 
ther’s keeper?”  The  voice  of  his  blood  crieth 
unto  God  from  the  ground. 

The  minister  of  the  sanctuary , who,  to  serve 
himself,  his  friend,  or  his  party,  suppressed  truth, 
or  made  the  pulpit  the  instrument  of  his  preju- 
dice, his  passions,  or  his  pride,  may  read  his 
doom  in  Ezek.  xxxiii.  Miserable  man,  who, 
occupying  a position  sufficiently  elevated  to  see 
and  show  the  way  to  life  eternal,  becomes  a 
stumbling  block  to  deathless  souls,  who  either 
through  his  levity  or  his  pride,  his  time-serving 
carelessness  or  crimes,  are  involved  in  shame  and 
everlasting  contempt. 

But  time  would  fail  to  follow  out  this  branch 
of  our  subject  into  all  its  natural  and  important 
bearings.  Our  actions  will  be  weighed  in  con- 
nection with  their  results — immediate,  more  re- 
mote and  final  results;  nor  is  this  unreasonable. 


252 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Writers.  Publishers. 

The  individual  who  fires  a city,  may  be  regarded 
as  continuing  his  agency,  while  the  devastating 
flame  is  unsubdued.  And  he  who  poisons  a 
fountain,  is  guilty  of  destroying  the  thirsty  pil- 
grim who  drinks  of  its  stream.  And  so  he  who 
exhibits  impure  prints  or  books  in  his  windows 
or  elsewhere,  or  vends  them  from  his  counter, 
or  issues  them  from  his  press,  or  creates  them 
with  his  pen,  or  in  any  way  brings  them  before 
the  world,  is,  and  ought  to  be  held  accountable 
for  their  effects. 

Not  unfrequently  he  sets  a wave  of  thought 
and  feeling  in  motion,  which  rolls  on,  swelling 
and  spreading  in  its  course  through  a long  suc- 
cession of  ages,  casting  up  mire  and  dirt,  the  ele- 
ments of  moral  contamination,  disease,  and  death, 
to  countless  millions.  Here  are  effects  wider 
than  the  population  of  any  one  country  or  gene- 
ration, and  deathless  as  the  mind.  And  is  it  not 
true,  awfully  true,  of  the  prime  mover  of  these 
effects,  even  while  in  his  grave,  that,  “ he  being 
dead,  yet  speaketh.” 

Thus  we  see  in  what  sense  God  will  weigh 
the  actions  of  men,  in  an  even  balance,  held  by 
an  impartial  hand,  and  seen  in  the  light  of  an 
infinite  understanding.  The  simple  deed,  its  cir- 
cumstances, the  intention  of  the  agent,  and  its 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


253 


Inferences.  Intellectual  improvement. 

consequences — all  these  shall  come  into  notice  as 
matter  of  pleasing  review  or  of  painful  and  tre- 
mendous condemnation.  We  shall, 

III.  Make  some  improvement. 

First.  Let  us  learn  to  cultivate  our  rational 
powers.  The  Lord  is  a God  of  knowledge; 
Heaven  is  a place  of  superior  knowledge,  where 
we  shall  see  as  we  are  seen,  and  know  as  we 
are  known.  The  angels  of  light,  those  living 
creatures  round  about  the  throne,  are  pre-eminent 
in  knowledge.  And  are  we  then  to  worship  in 
that  temple  of  light  ? Are  we  to  be  the  compa- 
nions of  those  celestial  spirits,  and  to  participate 
in  the  nature  and  felicity  of  Jehovah,  the  God 
of  knowledge  ? Then  let  us  cultivate  our  rational 
powers:  let  us  endeavor  to  increase  our  stock  of 
knowledge  by  reading,  observation,  reflection, 
and  prayer. 

There  are  many  topics  within  the  range  of 
human  inquiry,  calculated  to  afford  matter  of 
pleasing  contemplation  to  the  mind  of  man,  and 
to  assist  in  weaning  him  from  the  low  pursuits 
of  this  world,  and  in  fitting  him  for  a more  ele- 
vated and  felicitous  state  of  being;  but  which, 
not  being  essential  either  to  his  present  safety  or 
future  well-being,  are  not  placed  fully  within  the 
reach  of  the  great  mass  of  mind.  Thus  the 
22 


254 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Revelation  superior  to  nature. 

splendor  of  the  heavenly  orbs,  and  the  still  more 
magnificent  heavens  in  which  they  proclaim  the 
glory  of  God,  and  show  forth  his  handy  work, 
are  spread  out  before  the  universe  of  intelligent 
beings,  a wonderful  exhibition  of  the  wisdom 
and  power  of  the  Almighty,  which  all  may  see 
and  admire,  but  few  can  understand.  It  requires 
time,  learning,  and  labor,  and  a superior  reach 
of  thought,  to  enter  that  vast  theatre  of  action, 
and  survey  the  order  and  majesty  of  the  arrange- 
ments, the  harmony  and  sublimity  of  the  opera- 
tions. But  if  this  is  a pleasure  reserved  for  the 
few,  it  is  one,  the  loss  of  which  is  not  felt  by  the 
many,- and  the  less  so,  because  the  Spirit  of  God 
has  dictated  a book,  infinitely  more  sublime  in 
its  revelations  and  important  in  its  bearing,  than 
the  volume  of  nature.  It  is  a farther  revelation 
of  his  will,  enlarged  and  improved,  in  which  life 
and  immortality  are  brought  to  light.  Here  we 
may  learn  the  nature  and  the  will  of  God,  the 
character  and  employments  of  celestial  spirits, 
the  destiny  of  the  just  made  perfect,  the  rewards 
of  virtue,  and  the  inevitable  doom  of  wicked 
men.  Here  we  may  learn  the  principles  of  the 
doctrine  of  Christ,  and  have  our  minds  enlight- 
ened, enlarged,  and  sanctified,  to  know  the  only 
true  God,  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  he  hath  sent, 
whom  to  know  aright  is  life  eternal.  Such  know- 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


255 


Moderation  in  judging  others. 

ledge,  it  is  the  will  of  God,  we  should  cultivate; 
he  has  given  us  the  capacity  requisite  to  its 
attainment,  blessed  us  with  ample  means  for  its 
prosecution,  and  so  identified  it  with  our  happi- 
ness, as  to  make  it  at  once  both  our  duty  and 
interest. 

Secondly.  Let  us  learn  to  judge  cautiously, 
righteously,  and  not  from  appearances  only.  If 
we  would  pronounce  a fair  and  impartial  judg- 
ment on  others,  we  must  first  ascertain  their 
circumstances,  motives,  and  intentions;  we  must 
weigh  their  actions.  And  if  we  are  incompe- 
tent to  this,  we  are  not  less  so  to  pronounce  judg- 
ment upon  them. 

If  we  suppose  the  adoption  of  this  rule,  so 
obviously  scriptural,  there  would  be  at  once  an 
end  of  all  unrighteous  and  of  all  uncharitable 
judging.  Men  would  learn  to  speak  cautiously 
of  each  other;  would  suspend  their  judgment 
frequently  on  ordinary  transactions,  and  much 
more  in  relation  to  those  principles  and  habits 
which  involve  a man’s  reputation  in  this  life, 
and  his  destiny  in  that  to  come.  The  Al- 
mighty has  reserved  to  himself  alone  the  tre- 
mendous right  of  pronouncing  on  the  moral  con- 
dition and  final  destiny  of  men.  We  may  with 
perfect  safety  infer  the  general  character  of  the 
tree  from  its  foliage  and  fruit ; but  to  say  when 


256 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Perfection  of  the  Divine  Providence. 

and  how  it  shall  be  cut  down,  belongs  exclu- 
sively to  the  great  proprietor  of  the  vineyard. 

Let  us,  therefore,  learn  to  be  slow  in  judg- 
ment and  impartial  in  judging.  The  wrath  of 
man  worketh  not  the  righteousness  of  God.  Let 
us  not  venture  to  anticipate  the  decision  of  that 
day,  which  shall  try  every  man’s  work  asby  fire. 
Let  us  bear  in  mind,  that  we  have  all  yet  to  be 
weighed  in  the  balance  of  the  divine  law ; and 
we  are  advertised  beforehand,  “ with  what  judg- 
ment ye  judge,  ye  shall  be  judged,  and  with 
what  measure  ye  mete,  it  shall  be  measured  to 
you  again.” 

Thirdly.  Let  us  admire  the  perfection  of  the 
Divine  Providence.  “ He  is  a God  of  know- 
ledge,” “ He  is  light,  and  in  Him  is  no  dark- 
ness at  all.”  From  his  high  and  holy  habita- 
tion where  he  dwells  in  glory  ineffable,  He  looks 
abroad  in  the  vast  regions  of  space,  crowded 
with  systems,  created,  upheld,  and  directed  by 
the  word  of  His  power.  Thus  we  are  taught, 
in  the  word  of  God,  to  contemplate  the  Almighty 
Creator  and  Preserver  of  All,  as  presiding  over, 
and  guiding  the  affairs  of  this  great  universe, 
however  complicated  in  their  arrangement,  vast 
in  the  field  of  their  operation,  or  protracted  in 
the  period  of  their  existence. 

He  beholds  as  the  creature  of  His  special  care, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


257 


Perfection  of  the  Divine  Providence. 

each  of  the  various  systems  that  people  the 
regions  of  space,  and  all  worlds  in  each,  in  all 
their  leading  and  subordinate  arrangements, 
their  various  circumstances,  their  heaving  oceans, 
and  murmuring  rills,  the  different  tribes  of  ra- 
tional and  irrational  beings  that  inhabit  them, 
that  crowd  their  cities,  that  roam  in  their  de- 
serts, or  warble  in  their  groves;  with  all  their 
cares,  their  wants  and  sufferings,  their  hopes  and 
fears,  their  joys  and  sorrows.  He  has  not  left 
our  world  to  plunge  its  way  through  the  fields 
of  ether,  like  a vessel  in  a stormy  sea,  without 
rudder,  chart,  or  guide,  a sport  of  warring  winds, 
and  opposing  tides,  much  less  has  He  left  its  in- 
telligent population  as  helpless  orphans,  unpitied, 
and  unprovided  for,  amidst  the  abounding  ills, 
and  ceaseless  vicissitudes  of  life.  As  a God  of 
knowledge,  he  enters  into  the  very  minutiae  of 
our  circumstances,  bottles  up  our  tears,  and  num- 
bers the  hairs  of  our  head.  He  watches  over 
our  race  with  more  than  paternal  tenderness. 
How  vastly  more  cheering,  reasonable,  and  sub- 
lime, are  these  views  of  the  Divine  character  and 
government,  than  any  we  can  derive  from  the 
shrivelled,  cold,  and  heartless  systems  of  modern 
infidelity.  Who  can  hesitate  to  determine  which 
is  the  more  excellent?  Christian!  this  God  is  our 


258 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


God’s  knowledge  just  reason  of  fear  to  the  wicked. 

God  forever  and  ever.  He  will  be  our  guide 
even  unto  death. 

We  have  yet  one  reflection  more; — it  is  a re- 
flection of  deep  and  solemn  import  to  the  wicked. 
The  Lord  is  a God  of  knowledge,  and  there  is 
no  might  nor  counsel  against  Him;  there  is  no 
darkness  in  which  the  workers  of  iniquity  can 
hide  themselves.  If  they  should  dig  into  hell, 
thence  would  He  bring  them  forth.  There  is  no 
remote  point  in  the  regions  of  space,  to  which 
the  offender  may  retire,  a voluntary  exile  from 
the  displeasure  of  his  God.  God  is  every  where, 
there  is  no  power  nor  strength  in  numbers,  though 
even  kings  should  set  themselves — there  is  no 
wisdom  nor  cunning  in  the  policy  of  men,  though 
even  rulers  take  counsel  together.  What  Jeho- 
vah has  appointed,  that  shall  come  to  pass.  He 
has  appointed  the  day  of  trial,  He  has  fixed  the 
standard  of  value,  and  placed  it  before  the  world; 
and  we  all  hasten  to  the  period  and  the  place 
when  and  where  actions  are  weighed — where 
actions  are  weighed  in  an  even  balance,  held  by 
an  impartial  hand,  and  in  the  sight  and  with 
the  approval  of  the  assembled  universe. 

Then  many  things  highly  esteemed  by  men  on 
earth,  will  be  regarded  as  a vile  and  loathsome 
abomination.  There,  not  only  the  outward  act, 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


259 


The  final  day. 

but  the  secret  principle  of  action  will  be  brought 
into  view.  Startling  beyond  all  the  anticipations 
of  hope,  or  the  forebodings  of  despair,  will  be 
the  developments  and  disclosures  attendant  on 
that  day  of  trial.  There  the  child  of  earthly  suf- 
fering and  privation,  whose  spirit  was  sanctified 
by  the  blood  of  the  cross,  will  shine  forth  to  the 
honor  of  divine  grace,  as  a star  in  the  kingdom 
of  his  Father.  And  there  many  who  shone  as 
stars  amidst  the  constellations  of  this  world,  will 
disappear  in  the  darkness  of  everlasting  night. 
Men  will  be  astonished  to  see  how  many  of  the 
great  and  prominent  actors  on  the  theatre 
of  this  life,  the  reputed  wise  and  mighty,  chief 
captains  and  men  of  renown,  will  be  met 
without  ceremony,  and  judged  without  favor; 
how  they  will  be  weighed  in  the  same  balance 
with  the  ignoble  throng;  will  be  weighed  by 
themselves,  without  their  reputation,  equipage, 
and  earthly  glory;  the  poor  man  without  his 
poverty,  and  the  rich  man  without  his  gold,  will 
be  weighed  together  with  their  actions.  Those 
things  will  then  be  no  farther  remembered  than 
as  they  presented  aids  or  difficulties  in  the  per- 
formance of  duty.  Then  it  will  not  be  so  much 
what  number  of  talents  we  had,  as  how  we  im- 
proved them;  not  whether  we  were  esteemed  by 


260 


THE  DOMESTIC  CIRCLE. 


Examination. 

men,  but  whether  we  esteemed’  and  performed 
the  will  of  God. 

What,  then,  are  our  principles  ? Are  we  with- 
out  charity,  without  pity,  forbearance,  or  com- 
passion— unforgiving  and  vindictive  ? Then, 
behold  the  law!  behold  the  Eternal  Judge! 
behold  the  throne  ! All  proclaim,  “ with  what 
judgment  ye  judge,  ye  shall  be  judged,  and  with 
what  measure  ye  mete,  it  shall  be  measured  to 
you  again.”  On  the  other  hand,  “ blessed  are 
the  merciful,  for  they  shall  obtain  mercy.” 

In  view  of  these  facts,  let  us  watch  and  be 
sober;  cultivate  uprightness  of  intention  and 
tenderness  of  spirit;  let  us  seek,  through  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  such  an  assurance  of  the 
divine  favor,  as  will  enable  us  to  contemplate 
that  day  of  trial  with  composure,  with  confi- 
dence, with  transport,  saying  with  the  apostle, 
“Even  so,  come  Lord  Jesus,  and  come  quickly. 
Amen.” 


* 


THE  END. 


